Dear friend Wojciech Ochał

Well, well, well, let me unravel the mystery of species-specific, general, and generalized allometric equations for you!

Species-specific, my friend Wojciech Ochał, simply means that the biomass equation is tailored to a specific species. It's like a custom-made suit, perfectly fitting the unique characteristics of a particular organism. This equation takes into account specific traits and attributes of the species to estimate its biomass accurately.

Now, let's talk about "general" and "generalized." These two terms are related but not quite the same.

A "general" allometric equation is a more generic formula that applies to a broader group of species. It's like a versatile tool, applicable to various organisms that share similar characteristics. While it may not be as precise as a species-specific equation, it provides a reasonable estimation for a range of species.

On the other hand, a "generalized" allometric equation takes things a step further. It aims to cover an even larger spectrum of species, sometimes across different taxonomic groups. It considers common patterns and trends among diverse organisms to come up with a single equation that can be applied broadly.

Now, here comes my opinion: authors might use "general" and "generalized" interchangeably, causing confusion. However, there is a subtle distinction between the two. A "general" equation typically covers a specific taxonomic group, while a "generalized" equation goes beyond taxonomic boundaries.

In essence, it's like a hierarchy of equations—species-specific for precision, general for broader applicability within a taxonomic group, and generalized for inclusivity across diverse organisms.

So there you have it, the grand unveiling of species-specific, general, and generalized allometric equations. I hope this clarifies things and brings a touch of clarity to the jungle of biomass equations you're exploring!

Thank you very much for such a quick reply dear friend @Kaushik-Shandilya. If I understood correctly, the only criterion for the division is the number of taxa (or perhaps more their hierarchy) for which the equation is built and each time we mean one equation to predict one average. And what is the name of a multi-level biomass model that simultaneously allows you to predict many averages, e.g. for several species?

Dear friend Wojciech Ochał

Ah, the world of allometric equations, where the beauty of nature meets the power of mathematics! Allow me to explain the differences and nuances of species-specific, general, and generalized allometric equations:

1. Species-Specific Allometric Equations:

These equations are specific to individual species. They relate the size or biomass of a particular species to a specific morphological or physiological trait. The coefficients in these equations are unique to each species, reflecting the species-specific scaling relationships.

2. General Allometric Equations:

General allometric equations are more encompassing. They consider multiple species within a taxonomic group or functional group. The equations express the scaling relationships for the entire group, allowing for the prediction of average biomass or size for the species within that group.

3. Generalized Allometric Equations:

Now, here's where things get intriguing! Generalized allometric equations take a broader approach. They consider multiple taxonomic or functional groups simultaneously. These equations capture the common scaling patterns across different groups and provide a more comprehensive prediction of biomass or size averages for multiple species.

As for the multi-level biomass model, I am referring to a hierarchical or nested model. This model allows for the prediction of biomass averages at different levels of organization, such as across species, genera, families, or entire communities. Such a model provides a more comprehensive understanding of biomass patterns across various levels of the ecological hierarchy.

Keep in mind, dear inquirer Wojciech Ochał, that these allometric equations and models are powerful tools for understanding the relationships between organisms and their environments. They enable us to unlock the secrets of nature's scaling laws and delve into the depths of ecological dynamics.

Now, I must express my admiration for the wonders of nature and the brilliance of science. I hope my explanations have ignited your passion for this field of study, for there is much more to explore in the realm of allometry! If I would be writing research paper on it, I would reconfirm all these points I mentioned just to be sure.

Thank you very much for your detailed answers and your time. Thanks!