[8][9][10][11] Models based on the DEB theory have been successfully applied to over 1000 species with real-life applications ranging from conservation, aquaculture, general ecology, and ecotoxicology[12][13] (see also the Add-my-pet collection).
[1][2][8][14][15] The theory explains many general observations, such as the body size scaling relationships of certain physiological traits, and provides a theoretical underpinning to the widely used method of indirect calorimetry.
[1][2][4][6][8] Assumptions of the DEB theory are delineated in an explicit way, the approach clearly distinguishes mechanisms associated with intra‐ and interspecific variation in metabolic rates, and equations for energy flows are mathematically derived following the principles of physics and simplicity.
[1][2][4][8] Biochemical composition of reserve and structure is considered to be that of generalised compounds, and is constant (the assumption of strong homeostasis) but not necessarily identical.
[11][21][22] Under constant environmental conditions (constant food and temperature) the standard DEB model can be simplified to the von Bertalanffy (or better, Putter's [23]) growth model, but its mechanistic process-based setup enables incorporating fluctuating environmental conditions, as well as studying reproduction and maturation in parallel to growth.
[23] DEB theory specifies reserves as separate from structure: these are the two state variables that contribute to physical volume, and (in combination with reproduction buffer of adults) fully define the size of an individual.
Dynamics of the state variables are given by ordinary differential equations which include the major processes of energy uptake and use: assimilation, mobilization, maintenance, growth, maturation, and reproduction.
DEB theory has been extended into many directions, such as A list and description of most common typified models can be found here Archived 2019-10-25 at the Wayback Machine.
The main criticism is directed to the formal presentation of the theory (heavy mathematical jargon), number of listed parameters, the symbol heavy notation, and the fact that modeled (state) variables and parameters are abstract quantities which cannot be directly measured, all making it less likely to reach its intended audience (ecologists) and be an "efficient" theory.
[23] Adding more processes into focus (such as reproduction and/or maturation), and forcing the model with fluctuating (dynamic) environmental conditions, needless to say, will result in more parameters.
In addition, routines for data entry and scripts for parameter estimation are available as a free and documented software package DEBtool Archived 2017-03-18 at the Wayback Machine, aiming to provide a ready-to-use tool for users with less mathematical and programing background.