Allen's rule

Allen's rule is a biological rule posited by Joel Asaph Allen in 1877. It states that endotherms from colder climates usually have shorter limbs (or appendages) than the equivalent animals from warmer climates.

Theory

The theory behind Allen's Rule is that endothermic animals with the same volume may have differing surface areas, which will aid or impede their temperature regulation.

Consider eight cubical boxes of unit volume and unit area of a side. A rectilateral stack two boxes wide, one long and four tall will have a volume of 8 units and a surface area of 28 units. A cubical stack two boxes wide, two long and two high will have the same volume of 8 units but a surface area of only 24 units.

In cold climates, the greater the exposed surface area, the greater the loss of heat and therefore energy. Animals (and humans) in cold climates need to conserve as much energy as possible. A low surface area to volume ratio helps to conserve heat.

In warm climates, the opposite is true. An animal will overheat quickly if it has a low surface area to volume ratio. Therefore, animals in warm climates will have high surface area to volume ratios so as to help them lose heat.

In a nutshell, it simply means there is a ratio between body surface to body mass. For example, Fur or Tutsi people of Africa release body heat more readily because their ratio is high. However, Eskimos and Inuit have a lower ratio and therefore retain body heat.

The Inuit and the Maasai

In anthropology the contrast between the Maasai and the Inuit people is often presented as an example of Allen's rule.

The Inuit people live and hunt within the Arctic Circle. The sub-zero temperatures encountered in the Arctic environment mean that heat conservation is essential. A short, squat body shape will help retain body heat.

The Maasai people live primarily in Kenya and north Tanzania. The equatorial temperatures in this environment mean that heat loss is highly beneficial. A tall, long, body shape will help get rid of body heat. (The use of the word "tall" here is somewhat misleading. It is not necessarily height that is a factor as it is relatively longer, leaner limbs and a lean frame which are most appropriate according to this rule. Basically, size is not the main factor, which would be Bergmann's Rule, but shape.)

Clarifications

It is important to remember that exposure of exterior surface area is only one of many mechanisms by which humans retain or dispose of body heat. The following mechanisms are also very important:

*Sweating
*Shivering
*Human skin color
*Behavior (e.g., gathering insulation when it is cold, moving into shade when it is hot)

ee also

*Bergmann's Rule - that correlates latitude with body mass in animals.
*Gloger's rule

References

Joel Asaph Allen. "The influence of Physical conditions in the genesis of species." Radical Review, 1877, 1: 108-140.