Does memory usage scale up based on amount of installed memory?

i have imac (2.4 ghz intel core 2 duo) 4 gb 800 mhz ddr2 sdram installed. got mac mini (2.3 ghz core i5) 8 gb 1333 mhz ddr3 ram installed.

have noticed i'm using new mini seems allocating greater amount of memory making overall percentage used same between systems. mini using twice memory have expected. looked , sure enough, many of processes seem reflect this. here examples taken after starting box:

task....................imac.........mini
kernel_task..........251 mb.....494 mb
windowserver......24 mb.......60 mb
activity monitor.....29 mb......59 mb

attached screenshots of activity monitor both systems.

what's deal this? these processes ask more memory based on how available in system?

 

attached files:

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  imac.png

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  mini.png

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well if more memory available system (kernel_task) use more. because loads more data ram system has quicker access more, used, data. os feels smoother.
when 4gb installed system use less in order leave user more memory.

also, dont know if running lion, sl or leopard on imac, lion uses substantially more memory older osx versions. if not running lion on imac reason difference.

 

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