LIFE‐HISTORY EVOLUTION IN GUPPIES (POECILIA RETICULATA) 6. DIFFERENTIAL MORTALITY AS A MECHANISM FOR NATURAL SELECTION

摘要: We have previously reported a correlation between the life-history patterns of guppies and types predators with which they coexist. Guppies from localities an abundance large (high predation localities) mature at earlier age devote more resources to reproduction than those found in only single, small species predator (low localities). also that when were introduced high low locality, guppy life history evolved resemble what was normally this locality. The presumed mechanism natural selection is differences among age/size-specific mortality (the hypothesis); we assumed experienced adult rates while juvenile rates. These assumptions based on stomach content analyses wild-caught laboratory experiments. Here, evaluate these by directly estimating populations. experience significantly higher their counterparts localities, but are uniformly distributed across all size classes, rather being concentrated larger classes. This result appears contradict predictions hypothesis. However, argue, using additional data growth probabilities survival maturity each type age-specific hypothesis remains plausible. because probability first very similar much lower per unit time after maturity. argue for plausibility two other mechanisms selection. results thus reveal provide potential cause selection, expand, narrow, number possible responsible evolution guppies.