A model-based test of the efficacy of a simple rule for predicting adaptive sex allocation

The division of resources between male and female reproductive function is defined as sex allocation. The usefulness of simple rules to predict adaptive sex-allocation decisions has been a contentious topic. Simple rules are difficult to apply when the biological details of the life cycle are complex, as is the case in many vertebrates. We build a mathematical-computational model to investigate the usefulness of a simple rule that predicts adaptive sex-allocation decisions. We find that the simple rule is a better predictor of adaptive sex-allocation decisions when more features of an organism's life cycle are assumed to evolve. Even though the simple rule is a useful heuristic for predicting adaptive sex-allocation decisions, we find that its usefulness depends critically on the presence or absence of certain sex-specific asymmetries in the life cycle. We find that magnifying the asymmetries captured by the simple rule improves the usefulness of the simple rule.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Sc

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Applied Mathematics

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Dunn, Joshua D

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Geoff Wild

• sex allocation
• sex ratio
• Trivers-Willard hypothesis
• inclusive fitness
• life history
• reproductive value

Language dc:language.iso

en_ca

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/34191

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/34191