Testing the allometric scaling laws.
Allometric scaling laws have received increasing attention due to the recent theoretical advancements. However, existing evidence suggests that the scaling relationships may vary a lot without much consistency, which poses a challenge to the applicability of general theories. In this report, I demonstrate that much of the discrepancy may be an artefact caused by the limited use of methods for estimating the parameters in the allometric scaling equations. I suggest alternative procedures that can be utilized to avoid biased interpretations. The comments are largely applicable to any research that involves parameterization of equations.
Kaitaniemi
Pekka
P
Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station, University of Helsinki, Hyytiäläntie 124, FIN-35500 Korkeakoski, Finland. pekka.j.kaitaniemi@helsinki.fi
D029662:Betula / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D008954:Models, Biological; D015233:Models, Statistical