Metabolic Types and Growth Types

Abstract

Three metabolic types with respect to the relation between metabolism and body size are distinguished: Metabolism is (1) proportional to a 2/3 power of weight; (2) proportional to weight; (3) intermediate between surface and weight proportionality. There appears to be a strict connection between metabolic types and growth types. In the 1st and 3d types, growth approaches a steady state with characteristic differences in the growth curves; in the second, growth is exponential. Respiration data for a number of examples (Armadillidium, Dixippus, Tenebrio, Planorbis, Lebistes) are given and comparison is made with growth data.