Journal article
Characteristic sizes of life in the oceans - from bacteria to whales
National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark1
Section for Marine Ecology and Oceanography, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark2
Centre for Ocean Life, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark3
Section for Ecosystem based Marine Management, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark4
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.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | Annual Reviews |
Year: | 2016 |
Pages: | 217-241 |
Proceedings: | International Workshop on Trait-based approaches to Ocean Life |
ISSN: | 19410611 and 19411405 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1146/annurev-marine-122414-034144 |
ORCIDs: | 0000-0003-4638-3986 , Andersen, Ken Haste , Jacobsen, Nis Sand , Martens, Erik Andreas , Visser, Andre and Kiørboe, Thomas |