Complex Reproductive Traits and Whole-Organism Performance.

摘要: Arnold's 1983 path-analytic paradigm, considering "morphology, performance, and fitness," has been elaborated in several ways. For example, current versions recognize the level of "behavior" (including aspects motivation) as a filter between performance abilities (only measurable if motivation is maximal) fitness components. Performance constrain behavior, but behavioral choices may shield from selection. Conceptual empirical issues remain, such extent to which individual variation lower-level subordinate traits (e.g., circulating hormone concentrations) might directly affect growth rates, sexual maturation, etc., rather than having effects only through paths involving some aspect performance. Moreover, studies have yet encompass more few possible given system, part because life-history researchers rarely communicate with those focused on Most ponder trade-offs associated reproductive effort, locomotor maximal sprint speed) considered reproduction. This lack connection surprising both life history clutch size) stamina) require allocation energy other resources, so these trait types be expected. These perspectives cultures could bridged by focus ability organisms perform components biology lactation studied animals maximally "motivated" manipulation litter size or endocrine function). Alternatively, one study impacts reproduction when bats live-bearing fishes lose maneuverability during gestation. We also consider sperm context paradigm illustrate that can easily utilized frame-work within key biology.