Ecological rules for global species distribution also predict performance variation in Ironman triathletes

Abstract

Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules predict changes in body size and appendage length across temperature gradients for species with broad geographic distributions. Larger bodies and longer limbs facilitate cooling whereas smaller bodies and compact limbs limit heat loss. Although these patterns are highly repeatable (hence “rules” of ecology) the patterns and underlying mechanisms are less-well understood in humans. Here I show that variation in running performance among human male triathletes is consistent with both Bergmann’s and Allen’s rules. Males (but not females) with relatively larger body size and longer limbs performed better at hot compared to cold race venues and vice-versa. Consistent with results in other taxa, sex-specificity may reflect selection for sexual dimorphism. Results suggest that ecological patterns detected over large-spatial scales may arise from fine-scale variation in locomotor performance.