Scaling in ecotoxicology: Theory, evidence and research needs

Issues of scale, particularly extrapolations across spatial or temporal scales, are of great importance in ecotoxicology. A variety of approaches are valuable for addressing issues of scale, and in developing scaling relationships that allow for extrapolation across scales. Both theoretical and empirical approaches can be applied in deriving scaling relationships. A variety of models may be employed, including statistical models, mathematical models, computer simulations and physical models (such as microcosms and mesocosms). Specific approaches that appear promising include dimensional analysis, allometric scaling, fractal geometry and microcosm/mesocosm experiments in which scale is appropriately manipulated as a treatment variable. Further research should be directed toward assessing the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, identifying non-linearities and thresholds in scaling relationships, integrating spatial and temporal aspects of scaling, and designing experimental studies that explicitly address scale issues.

Keywords :

• grain
• extent
• extrapolation

Acknowledgement

We thank Bernard Montuelle and CEMAGRAF for financial assistance in attending the 7th AEHMS Conference in Lyon, France, where this paper was presented.