Thermodynamics constrains allometric scaling of optimal development time in insects.

ABSTRACT: Development time is a critical life-history trait that has profound effects on organism fitness and on population growth rates. For ectotherms, development time is strongly influenced by temperature and is predicted to scale with body mass to the quarter power based on 1) the ontogenetic growth model of the metabolic theory of ecology which describes a bioenergetic balance between tissue maintenance and growth given the scaling relationship between metabolism and body size, and 2) numerous studies, primarily of vertebrate endotherms, that largely support this prediction. However, few studies have investigated the allometry of development time among invertebrates, including insects. Abundant data on development of diverse insects provides an ideal opportunity to better understand the scalin

SUBMITTER: Dillon ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3877264 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature