Jessica Li

Metabolic scaling describes the relationship between RMR and body size, providing insight into biological structure and function. Many metabolic scaling models are assumed to be applicable for all life stages and species, are based on theoretical mathematical modelling, but lack mechanistic explanations. This failure to consider how energy expenditure changes depending on developmental stage and life history is problematic. I collect empirical data to test long-standing metabolic scaling models. My goal is to elucidate nuances of metabolic scaling by considering factors influencing RMR: mass, body tissue composition, developmental stage, and metabolically expensive and necessary physiological functions such as thermogenesis (the ability to thermoregulate independently of one’s environment).