1. Testing for allometry by analyzing data. Brown tree snakes are an invasive sp

Question

1. Testing for allometry by analyzing data.

Brown tree snakes are an invasive species in Guam, where they eat native birds. Bruce Jayne and Michael Riley collected data on the proportions of individuals of different sizes. For example, here is the mid-body cross-section through a small and large specimen:

The smaller snake had a snout-vent (anus) length (SVL) of 43 cm, and the larger one a length of 188 cm (over 6 feet).

What is the expected value of the scaling exponent, b, for how diameter scales as a function of length, assuming growth is isometric? Then calculate the actual values of B

Explanation / Answer

M = aNb

M = Snout-vent length (SVL) of smaller snake :- body part measured in relationship to size of organism

N = Snout-vent length (SVL) of larger snake measure of size used for basis of comparison

a = Initial growth index

b = scaling exponent

For isometric growth b (Scaling exponent) = 1

M = aNb

Take log on both sides

logM = loga + blogN

log(43) = loga + log(188)

1.63 = loga + 2.27

a = 0.23

Now, M = aNb

Take log on both sides

logM = loga + blogN

log(43) = log(0.23) + blog(188)

1.63 = -0.64 + b X 2.27

2.27 = b X 2.27

b = 1

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