Question

The study of relationship between size and shape is called
A. Allopatric
B. Allelopathy
C. Allometry
D. Allogamy

Answer 1

Hint: In 1892 Otto Snell outlined the relationship between size and shape. The study gives the relationship of body size to shape which is compared to anatomy, physiology, and finally behavior. This can also be referred to as the growth of body parts at different rates.

Complete answer: Otto Snell first described the relation between size and shape which came to be known as Allometry. In the late 19th century Julian Huxley gave the term Allometry. It is also called biological scaling. It focuses on the fact that in biology, the change in organisms concerning proportional changes in the size of the body. Allometry accounts for studies of shape differences in ratio terms of the dimensions of objects. Two objects having different sizes but a common shape will have the same ratio in their dimensions. This can be explained by taking the example of an organism that grows as it matures. With age, the animal’s body size will change but its shape will remain the same. Lizards and snakes are often used as models for ontogenetic allometry studies. This is because both of these organisms do not need parental care and they range widely in their body size between different stages of life. There is a type of allometric study called static allometry. It is a study that focuses on growth and shape among different individuals of a given age and sex. The common examples of allometry are seen in mammals. From mice to elephants the body gets larger. As the body enlarges the heartbeat gets slower and the brains get bigger with a lengthened life span.
Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note: One of the scaling approaches of allometry accounts for scaling states that biological organisms are limited by energy and material distribution rates. Allometric relations relate to anatomical and physiological features of the use of energy.