Pinto, Carla M.A.Lopes, António M.Machado, J.A.Tenreiro2014-02-072014-02-0720121007-5704http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/3814Power law distributions, also known as heavy tail distributions, model distinct real life phenomena in the areas of biology, demography, computer science, economics, information theory, language, and astronomy, amongst others. In this paper, it is presented a review of the literature having in mind applications and possible explanations for the use of power laws in real phenomena. We also unravel some controversies around power laws.engPower law behaviorParento lawZipf lawHeavy tail distributionsApplicationsjournal article10.1016/j.cnsns.2012.01.013