The theorems on the maximization of reproductive value in optimal life histories were originally stated and proven for age—classified populations. Many organisms, however, are more appropriately classified by other variables, such as size, developmental stage, instar, spatial location, etc. Their life cycles may be considerably more complex than those for which classical demographic theory was devised. In this paper, I show how to calculate reproductive value for such populations, and give conditions for its maximization. The theory for age—classified populations follows as a special case.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hal Caswell (1982) studied this question.