The Effect of Structure Size, Function, and Proximity on Resource Allocation

Abstract

Investigating the dynamics of resource allocation within individual organisms is necessary for understanding the process of growth and development. Studies have shown that competition of resources has a significant effect on the resulting sizes of individual structures and many of these studies show competition of these resources increases when structures are in close proximity of each other. Other studies have shown that functionally different structures, both in close and far proximity, also compete for limiting resources. In this study, we investigate whether proximity or function has a bigger effect on determining resource allocation. We also take a broader view and investigate to what extent functionally different systems (locomotion and reproduction) compete for resources. Using Manduca sexta in our investigation, imaginal discs were excised surgically from the larvae and the resulting weight changes in the adult locomotive structures (wings, legs and flight muscle) we measured and the resulting number of eggs were counted. We conclude that structure function has a higher priority than structure proximity but ultimately, structure size is the greatest factor in determining resource allocation. We also show that resource allocation between functionally different systems is complex and not easily explained.