Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Experimental Manipulation of Body Size to Estimate Morphological Scaling Relationships in Drosophila
Published on: October 1, 2011
The evolution of large size: how does Cope's Rule work?
David W E Hone1, Michael J Benton
1Department of Earth Sciences, Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, Bristol, UK, BS8 1RJ. david.hone@bristol.ac.uk
Abstract:
Cope's Rule is the tendency for organisms in evolving lineages to increase in size over time. The concept is detailed in many textbooks, but has rarely been demonstrated. Many suggestions of the benefits of large body size exist, but none has yet been confirmed empirically. Using a large-scale analysis of recent studies, Kingsolver and Pfennig have now shown how size benefits survival, mating success and fecundity, and they provide convincing arguments for a mechanism that is capable of driving Cope's Rule.
Related Concept Videos
[3,3] Sigmatropic Rearrangement of 1,5-Dienes: Cope Rearrangement
Generalized Hooke's Law
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
Hooke's Law
Cooperative Allosteric Transitions
Cooperative Allosteric Transitions

