Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2008, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (4): 951-960.DOI: 10.3773/j.issn.1005-264x.2008.04.025

• Original article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

REVIEW ON THE MECHANISM MODELS OF ALLOMETRIC SCALING LAWS: 3/4 VS. 2/3 POWER

HAN Wen-Xuan1,2, FANG Jing-Yun1   

  1. 1Department of Ecology, Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
    2Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100094, China
  • Received:2007-11-19 Accepted:2008-01-31 Online:2008-07-30 Published:2008-07-30

Abstract:

Allometric scaling relations are characteristic of all organisms. A challenging task is how the typical allometric scaling relationship—Kleiber’s Law, which depicts the proportionality between the metabolic rate of an animal and its body mass raised to the 3/4 power and is well established and supported by data—can be predicted from a purely theoretical standpoint. Scientists have proposed diverse models to do this, but almost all of the models are criticized for theoretical or methodological difficulties. However, ecologists and physicists recently proposed new models. Here we highlight the Fractal-Like Distribution Network Models and other models, such as Multi-Causes Model, Minimal Overall Entropy Production Model, Constructal Theory, Cell Model and Energy Consumption Model.

Key words: allometric scaling model, fractal-like distribution network, metabolic rate, maximal efficiency, 3/4 and 2/3 power law