the square cube law in biology

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Can anyone explain in simple terms the square cube law and how it applies to animals and people. I have seen it referenced to fictional beast, especially those who are absurdly large. But can anyone explain it what it actually means

In: Biology

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Anonymous 0 Comments

It means “when things get bigger, their weight increases *super* quickly, much faster than their size does”. 

A 10x10x10″ cube’s volume is 1000 cubic inches. If we double it to a 20x20x20″ cube, its volume is now 8000 cubic inches. A *2x* increase became an *8x* increase in volume (and therefore also an 8x increase in weight). 

In biology, this means “animals can only be so large, because if you make them bigger they’ll be crushed under their own weight”. Ocean animals can “cheat” a bit because the water helps support their weight. 

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