title: The application of the Gompertz model to describe body growth.
abstract: Three potential errors in applying the Gompertz growth model are discussed: 1. Restriction of growth data to the subadult or juvenile phase; 2. Confusion of mean growth rate with (mean) maximum growth rate; 3. Improper application of the growth model in cases of sample size variation. These errors are demonstrated on the example of growth data of Zambian common mole-rats (Cryptomys sp.).
authors.affiliation: Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Essen, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Begall
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006128:Growth / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D019577:Mole Rats; D018401:Sample Size; D013997:Time Factors