Techniques for estimating allometric equations.

Journal of Morphology
B J Manaster, S Manaster

Abstract

Morphologists have long been aware that differential size relationships of variables can be fo great value when studying shape. Allometric patterns have been the basis of many interpretations of adaptations, biomechanisms, and taxonomies. It is of importance that the parameters of the allometric equation be as accurate estimates as possible since they are so commonly used in such interpretations. Since the error term may come into the allometric relation either exponentially or additively, there are at least two methods of estimating the parameters of the allometric equation. That most commonly used assumes exponentiality of the error term, and operates by forming a linear function by a logarithmic transformation and then solving by the method of ordinary least squares. On the other hand, if the rrror term comes into the equation in an additive way, a nonlinear method may be used, searching the parameter space for those parameters which minimize the sum of squared residuals. Study of data on body weight and metabolism in birds explores the issues involved in discriminating between the two models by working through a specific example and shows that these two methods of estimation can yield highly different results. Not only mini...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Sep 18, 2008·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Gary C Packard, Thomas J Boardman
Nov 3, 2010·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Gary C PackardThomas J Boardman
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Nov 1, 1982·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Larry Leamy, David Bradley
Nov 4, 2008·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Gary C Packard, Geoffrey F Birchard

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