Allometric Inference in Morphology

SYNOPSIS. Disparate rates of change in the surfaces and volumesof organisms with change in size combine with the interdependenceof surface-limited and volume-limited functional attributesto define criteria for the size-dependency of shapes. Size contributesto the specification of types of structures required, limitsto their functional range, and the scaling relationships amongcomponents of systems. Size-dependency may be stated in termsof a null hypothesis in morphology, with departures indicativeof special adaptations which may be of particular interest.The study of size-dependency in shape and function is approachinga general theory of form with content comparable in scope toa general theory of diversity.