QEIB: A Theoretical Framework for Density-Dependent Life-History Evolution in Variable Environments

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The parameters defining the life history of an organism, for example,survival rates at different stages in life, birth rates, germinationrates and dispersal rates, vary with the physical environment, such asweather, and also with the biological environment defined by thedensities of organisms of different sorts. A general mathematicaltheory of life-history evolution will be developed that takes intoaccount the interacting effects of a varying environment and organismdensities. Mathematical models will be developed and investigated usingprobability theory, dynamical systems theory, and computer simulation.Particular emphasis will be placed on annual plant germination, growth,survival and reproductive relations in perennial organisms, and seasonalvariation in growth of perennial plants.The life history of an organism is fundamental to the way it relates toits environment, and therefore the life history is fundamental topredicting what will happen to the organism as conditions change eitherthrough human intervention or natural causes. The complexity of thesubject means that effective study requires a theoretical framework togenerate hypotheses, which can then be tested empirically. Althoughseparate theories for the effects of a varying physical environment andorganism densities have been developed previously, there has been verylimited attention to their interaction. The results of the study shouldhave wide applicability to wild organisms (flora and fauna, pests, weedsand fisheries), with some applications also to crops and domesticanimals.