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A general model for ontogenetic growth

Author

Listed:
  • Geoffrey B. West

    (MS B285, Los Alamos National Laboratory
    The Santa Fe Institute)

  • James H. Brown

    (The Santa Fe Institute
    University of New Mexico)

  • Brian J. Enquist

    (University of Arizona)

Abstract

Several equations have been proposed to describe ontogenetic growth trajectories for organisms justified primarily on the goodness of fit rather than on any biological mechanism1,2,3,4,5,6. Here, we derive a general quantitative model based on fundamental principles7,8,9 for the allocation of metabolic energy between maintenance of existing tissue and the production of new biomass. We thus predict the parameters governing growth curves from basic cellular properties10 and derive a single parameterless universal curve that describes the growth of many diverse species. The model provides the basis for deriving allometric relationships for growth rates and the timing of life history events2,11,12.

Suggested Citation

  • Geoffrey B. West & James H. Brown & Brian J. Enquist, 2001. "A general model for ontogenetic growth," Nature, Nature, vol. 413(6856), pages 628-631, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:413:y:2001:i:6856:d:10.1038_35098076
    DOI: 10.1038/35098076
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