Comparing life histories using phylogenies

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1991
Authors:P. H. Harvey, Keymer A. E.
Journal:Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, Series B
Volume:332
Issue:1262
Pagination:31 - 39
Date Published:1991
Keywords:bird, body, coevolution, complex, food habits, Geomyidae, Mallophaga, mammal, reproduction, rodentia, size, thomomys, trichodectidae
Abstract:

The comparative method as recently developed can be used to identify statistically independent instances of life-history evolution. When life-history traits show evidence for correlated evolutionary change with each other or with ecological differences, it is often possible to single out the trade-offs and selective forces responsible for the evolution of life-history diversity. Suites of life-history characters often evolve in concert, and recent optimality models incorporating few variables show promise for interpreting that evolution in terms of few selective forces. Because hosts provide well-defined environments for their parasites, when host-parasite phylogenies are congruent it is possible to test ideas about the evolution of particular life-history and size-related traits.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith