Dynamic Energy Budgets in Biological Systems

Dynamic energy budget theory provides simple, mechanistic rules for the uptake and use of energy by those animals, fungi and plants that require organic food substances in the diet. The implications of these rules for physiological organisation and population dynamics are considered. Predictions of the theory are tested against a wide variety of experimental results. The theory explains body-size scaling relationships such as the links between respiration rates and body size, between ageing and energetics, and between food intake and life span. In a concluding chapter, the theory is applied to problems in ecotoxicology, to demonstrate the ability of the model to extrapolate from laboratory to field. Each topic is given a general introduction, followed by formulation of the theory in elementary mathematical terms. Methodological aspects of mathematical modelling are discussed in detail. Biologists and mathematicians with a broad interest in fundamental and applied problems in biology will find this book of great interest.