Does a simple Cope's Rule mechanism Overlook predators?

Penteriani, Vincenzo; Kenward, Robert

Penteriani, Vincenzo; Kenward, Robert. 2007 Does a simple Cope's Rule mechanism Overlook predators? Research Letters in Ecology, 2007, 92684. 2, pp. 10.1155/2007/92684

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Abstract

The Cope’s rule predicts a tendency for species to evolve towards an increase in size. Recently, it has been suggested that such a tendency is due to the fact that large body sizes provide a general increase in individual fitness. Here we highlight evidence that predator species do not always fit the large-size = high-fitness mechanism for Cope’s rule. Given the specific requirements of predators and the complexity of prey-predator relationships, any analysis that does not take into account all animal groups may overlook a significant portion of evolutive trends. Generalisations may not be possible regardless of taxa.

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