Abstract
Dynamic energy budget theory (DEB) and the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) both seek to quantify the processes of resource acquisition and use but differ in their underlying mechanisms and assumptions. Some in-depth comparisons of the theories have been conducted in the literature but require a level of knowledge that is likely to be beyond most newcomers to the topic.We reduce the theories to their simplest forms, their models for growth under optimal conditions, and present a side by side comparison of the model equations and key assumptions. This shows considerable overlap in how both theories characterise growth rate while also highlighting fundamental differences, such as MTE’s use of taxon specific parameters. Comparing DEB and MTE in this way provides an accessible platform to help beginners gain a better understanding from the existing literature.
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