A Concept Model about Allometric Scaling of Hierarchical Energy Flow through Plant Biosystems

Abstract

Ecologists have long sought a general metabolic scaling law (e.g., the 3/4 power law), although the size-independent mass-special metabolic ratemay have been selected for over evolutionary time. Here, we outline four hierarchical energy processes along the path of energy flow. These processes are represented as the scaling exponents of mass-dependent energy flow (e.g., a 1/4-scaling rule for individuals and a 1/3-scaling rule for populations). Individuals and populations have evolved as the conduits of energy flow. Interestingly, the mass-dependent hierarchical energy flow can help explain the development of a tree population. Our theory highlights that mass-dependent hierarchical energy flow may act as a metabolic integrator and suggests an energetic explanation of the evolution of plant biosystems from the individual to the community level.