The Fourth Power in the Universe

Jones, D.D. (1973). The Fourth Power in the Universe. IIASA Working Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: WP-73-005

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Abstract

This paper reviews a collection of non-ecological size distributions that have been observed in nature. The range of sizes covers 37 orders of magnitude. Ecologically significant size distributions are reported elsewhere. What can we hope to find in this collection? First we can ask if there are any generalities that exist, and if so, why? In the examples that follow one particular form of distribution is ubiquitous.

What might be the ecological significance of this? First we can ask if these distributions are simply a result of some random statistical process. If not, then what are the specific mechanisms which countervene and lead to these distributions? Then we can compare these distributions with those of ecological significance. If the same types appear, then we may have a clue to an explanation. If some other types are found in animal communities, we must look for the special mechanisms that make ecological size distributions different.

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