allometry

views updated

allometry Differential rate of growth such that the size of one part (or more) of the body changes in proportion to another part, or to the whole body, but at a constant exponential rate. For example, the antlers of the extinct Irish elk (Megaloceros giganteus), the largest of all deer, grew 2.5 times faster than the rest of its body to reach an adult span of up to 3.5 m in the largest individuals. Allometry may in other cases be negative, leading to comparatively smaller parts.

More From encyclopedia.com