Sampling Scale Dependence of Taylor's Power Law

Abstract

A simple biological model was proposed to generate Taylor's power law relationship between sample mean and variance. This model also generates the Kono-Sugino relationship between the sample mean and the proportion of empty sampling units. This model suggests that the slope of the power law regression b is inversely related to the movement activity of the organism. Consequently, it is expected that b becomes larger as the scale of sampling becomes larger. Validity of this implication was tested using actual data sets.