Optimum body sizes at different ambient temperatures: an energetics explanation of bergmann's rule

https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-5193(80)90190-3Get rights and content

Abstract

A model is presented of optimum body sizes at different ambient temperatures. Selection is considered to optimize the difference between foraging profit per time and maintenance energy costs per time, scaled to body size. Two different scaling functions are considered: one maximizes the amount of activity that an individual can perform, and the other maximizes the length of time an individual can survive on the profit gained in a given period of foraging. With both scaling functions, optimum size increases as ambient temperature decreases.

References (36)

  • L. Greenwald et al.

    Comp. Biochem. Physiol

    (1967)
  • G.A. Bartholomew
  • M. Berger et al.

    J. Comp. Physiol

    (1972)
  • J.H. Brown et al.

    Evolution

    (1969)
  • W.A. Calder
  • W.A. Calder et al.
  • J.R. Downhower

    Nature

    (1976)
  • T.H. Hamilton

    Evolution

    (1961)
  • J.S. Hart
  • J.S. Hart et al.

    Can. J. Biochem. Physiol

    (1963)
  • A.M. Hemmignsen

    Reports Steno Memorial Hospital

    (1960)
  • F.C. James

    Am. Zool

    (1968)
  • F.C. James

    Ecology

    (1970)
  • S.C. Kendeigh

    Auk

    (1969)
  • E.D. Ketterson et al.

    Ecology

    (1976)
  • J.R. King
  • J.E. Kontogiannis

    Phys. Zool

    (1968)
  • D. Lack

    The Natural Regulation of Animal Numbers

    (1954)
  • Cited by (0)

    Present address: Rockefeller University Field Research Center, Millbrook, New York 12545, U.S.A.

    View full text