Metabolic Ecology: A Scaling Approach

Richard M. Sibly (Editor), James H. Brown (Editor), Astrid Kodric-Brown (Editor)

Research output: Book/ReportBook

Abstract

Most of ecology is about metabolism: the ways that organisms use energy and materials. The energy requirements of individuals - their metabolic rates - vary predictably with their body size and temperature. Ecological interactions are exchanges of energy and materials between organisms and their environments. So metabolic rate affects ecological processes at all levels: individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Each chapter focuses on a different process, level of organization, or kind of organism. It lays a conceptual foundation and presents empirical examples. Together, the chapters provide an integrated framework that holds the promise for a unified theory of ecology.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationChichester, UK
PublisherWiley
ISBN (Print)9780470671535
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Apr 2012

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