Abstract: EcologyVolume 85, Issue 7 p. 1771-1789 Regular Article TOWARD A METABOLIC THEORY OF ECOLOGY James H. Brown, James H. Brown Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USA Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA E-mail: [email protected] for more papers by this authorJames F. Gillooly, James F. Gillooly Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USASearch for more papers by this authorAndrew P. Allen, Andrew P. Allen Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USASearch for more papers by this authorVan M. Savage, Van M. Savage Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA Theoretical Division, MS B285, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 USASearch for more papers by this authorGeoffrey B. West, Geoffrey B. West Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA Theoretical Division, MS B285, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 USASearch for more papers by this author James H. Brown, James H. Brown Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USA Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA E-mail: [email protected] for more papers by this authorJames F. Gillooly, James F. Gillooly Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USASearch for more papers by this authorAndrew P. Allen, Andrew P. Allen Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USASearch for more papers by this authorVan M. Savage, Van M. Savage Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA Theoretical Division, MS B285, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 USASearch for more papers by this authorGeoffrey B. West, Geoffrey B. West Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA Theoretical Division, MS B285, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 July 2004 https://doi.org/10.1890/03-9000Citations: 4,489 Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Metabolism provides a basis for using first principles of physics, chemistry, and biology to link the biology of individual organisms to the ecology of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Metabolic rate, the rate at which organisms take up, transform, and expend energy and materials, is the most fundamental biological rate. We have developed a quantitative theory for how metabolic rate varies with body size and temperature. Metabolic theory predicts how metabolic rate, by setting the rates of resource uptake from the environment and resource allocation to survival, growth, and reproduction, controls ecological processes at all levels of organization from individuals to the biosphere. Examples include: (1) life history attributes, including development rate, mortality rate, age at maturity, life span, and population growth rate; (2) population interactions, including carrying capacity, rates of competition and predation, and patterns of species diversity; and (3) ecosystem processes, including rates of biomass production and respiration and patterns of trophic dynamics. Data compiled from the ecological literature strongly support the theoretical predictions. Eventually, metabolic theory may provide a conceptual foundation for much of ecology, just as genetic theory provides a foundation for much of evolutionary biology. Citing Literature Volume85, Issue7July 2004Pages 1771-1789 This article also appears in:Centennial Special: Notable Papers in ESA HistoryMacArthur Award Series RelatedInformation
Publication Year: 2004
Publication Date: 2004-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 6724
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot