A Classification of Alternative Reproductive Behaviors and Methods for Field-testing ESS Models

摘要: A number of superficially similar evolutionary phenomena are often lumped together as “alternative reproductive behaviors (ARBs).” Several authors have previously organized the broad array alternatives by their relation to ESS theory. Because such an organizing scheme begs question how much models can contribute our understanding ARBs, I suggest a different scheme—devoid connotations—which classifies according whether they represent genetic differences between individuals (genotypic versus phenotypic alternatives), be expected manifest equal or unequal fitnesses (isogignous allogignous and may switch back forth (reversible irreversible alternatives). point out that plausible selective regimes other than frequency-dependence maintain genotypic alternatives, explanations for maintenance usually examined only theoretically. also urge more rigor in field-testing models, review criteria which putative ESSs should meet, statistical approach evaluating evidence with regard equality alternatives.