Journal
ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE, VOL 8
Volume 8, Issue -, Pages 217-+Publisher
ANNUAL REVIEWS
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-122414-034144
Keywords
body size; metabolism; allometric scaling; plankton; mixotrophy; fish; whales
Funding
- Villum Fonden [00007178] Funding Source: researchfish
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The size of an individual organism is a key trait to characterize its physiology and feeding ecology. Size-based scaling laws may have a limited size range of validity or undergo a transition from one scaling exponent to another at some characteristic size. We collate and review data on size-based scaling laws for resource acquisition, mobility, sensory range, and progeny size for all pelagic marine life, from bacteria to whales. Further, we review and develop simple theoretical arguments for observed scaling laws and the characteristic sizes of a change or breakdown of power laws. We divide life in the ocean into seven major realms based on trophic strategy, physiology, and life history strategy. Such a categorization represents a move away from a taxonomically oriented description toward a trait-based description of life in the oceans. Finally, we discuss life forms that transgress the simple size-based rules and identify unanswered questions.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available