Metabolic Scaling Theory

Metabolic Scaling Theory (MST) explains how an organism’s metabolic rate—how quickly it uses energy—changes with its size. Generally, larger animals use energy more efficiently than smaller ones, so their metabolic rate increases at a predictable rate as size increases. The theory suggests that bodily systems are structured in a way that this relationship follows specific mathematical patterns, often related to the organism's volume and surface area. MST helps scientists understand differences among species, how ecosystems function, and how energy flows through living systems by linking size and energy use in a consistent way.