Dynamic Energy and Mass Budgets in Biological Systems
By S.A.L.M. Kooijman, 2000
Cambridge University Press, Great Britain
ISBN 0-521-78608-8
View full text.
First edition appeared in 1993
Third edition appeared in 2010
Dynamic Energy Budget theory unifies the commonalities
between organisms as prescribed by the implications of energetics,
which link different levels of biological organization (cells,
organisms and populations).
The theory presents simple mechanistic
rules that describe the uptake and use of energy and nutrients and the
consequences for physiological organization throughout an organism's
life cycle, including the relationships between energetics and aging
and the effects of toxicants.
In this new edition, the theory is
broadened to encompass the fluxes of both energy and mass. All living
organisms are now covered in a single quantitative framework, the
predictions of which are tested against a wide variety of experimental
results at the various levels of biological organization. The theory
explains many general observations, such as the body size scaling
relationships of certain physiological traits, and provides a
theoretical basis for the widely used method of indirect calorimetry.
In each case, the theory is developed in elementary mathematical terms,
but a more detailed discussion of the methodological aspects of
mathematical modelling is also included, making the book suitable for
biologists and mathematicians with a broad interest in both fundamental
and applied quantitative problems in biology.
Summary of Contents
- 1) Energetics and models
- The position of
energetics in the biological sciences; historical setting; the
methodology of modelling and the philosophical status of
biological theories.
- 2) Basic concepts
- A systems theory view of
individuals; the significance of isomorphism and homeostasis in
the light of surface area vs volume relationships; critical
evaluation of measures for size, storage and energy; effects of
temperature; Synthesizing Units; physiological modes; life
histories.
- 3) Energy acquisition and use
- A step-by-step
discussion of mechanisms of energy uptake and use by individuals
with relevance to the DEB model.
- 4) Uptake and use of essential compounds
- The
fluxes of nutrients directly follow from energy fluxes, given
homeostasis. Calorimetry; Simple extensions allow the modelling of
drinking and aging.
- 5) Multivariate DEB models
- Extensions to more
than one substrate, reserve and structural biomass to enhance
metabolic versatility. Photosynthesis and plant development,
simultaneous nutrient limitation, calcification.
- 6) Uptake and effects of non-essential compounds
- Uptake kinetics, effects on physiological targets and their
consequences for the population level.
- 7) Case studies
- Details of specific processes,
such as digestion, protein synthesis, and structural homeostasis.
Evaluation of changing food densities, shapes and parameter
values.
- 8) Comparison of species
- Body size scaling
relationships; strategies of parameter selection; evolutionary
implications.
- 9) Living together
- Interaction between organisms:
The spectrum from competition to prey-predator systems. Evaluation
of the consequences of the DEB model for population dynamics, food
chains, and communities.
- 10) Evaluation
- Conceptual aspects; Comparison with other approaches.