# Applying allometric scaling to predator-prey systems

## TL;DR

This paper explores how allometric scaling laws can simplify parameter estimation in predator-prey models, enabling more accurate predictions of ecosystem dynamics based on animal mass.

## Contribution

It demonstrates the use of allometric scaling to parameterize population models and predicts prey-predator ratios and cycle lengths, aligning well with empirical data.

## Key findings

- Predicted prey-predator ratios match observed data
- Estimated cycle lengths scale with animal mass
- Allometric scaling improves model testability

## Abstract

In population dynamics, mathematical models often contain too many parameters to be easily testable. A way to reliably estimate parameters for a broad range of systems would help us obtain clearer predictions from theory. In this paper, we examine how the allometric scaling of a number of biological quantities with animal mass may be useful to parameterise population dynamical models. Using this allometric scaling, we make predictions about the ratio of prey to predators in real ecosystems, and we attempt to estimate the length of animal population cycles as a function of mass. Our analytical and numerical results turn out to compare reasonably to data from a number of ecosystems. This paves the way for a wider usage of allometric scaling to simplify mathematical models in population dynamics and make testable predictions.