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Does consumption rate scale superlinearly?

Author

Listed:
  • Henrique C. Giacomini

    (University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada)

  • Brian J. Shuter

    (University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada
    †Harkness Laboratory of Fisheries Research, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada)

  • Derrick T. de Kerckhove

    (University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada)

  • Peter A. Abrams

    (University of Toronto, 25 Harbord St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada)

Abstract

Arising from S. Pawar, A. I. Dell & V. M. Savage Nature 486, 485–489 (2012) A recent paper by Pawar and colleagues1 has provided important insights into the consequences of foraging behaviour for food-web dynamics. One notable pattern predicted by their analysis is that consumption rate (c) scales superlinearly (c m1.16) with consumer body mass (m) in three-dimensional (3D), but not two-dimensional (2D), foraging spaces. Although we feel that the authors should be applauded for this interesting contribution, we argue that their result is not consistent with established life-history theory. To resolve this contradiction, progress in both fields is probably required, including new empirical studies in which consumption rate, metabolism and dimensionality are examined directly under natural conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrique C. Giacomini & Brian J. Shuter & Derrick T. de Kerckhove & Peter A. Abrams, 2013. "Does consumption rate scale superlinearly?," Nature, Nature, vol. 493(7434), pages 1-2, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:493:y:2013:i:7434:d:10.1038_nature11829
    DOI: 10.1038/nature11829
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