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When the life history functions B (E) and P (E)-fecundity and postbreeding survival-are subject to environmentally induced fluctuations, one of two patterns is selected for: If the functions are concave (iteroparity in constant environments), the optimal population is monomorphic. Variation in B (E) selects for reduced effort in all individuals; variation in P (E) for increased breeding. If functions are convex (semelparity in constant environments) and fecundity is the parameter at issue, the optimal population can be polymorphic, with only a fraction of the population reproducing annually. Increasing the severity of fluctuations reduces the optimal value of this proportion, even if the average rate of reproductive success is not changed.
William M. Schaffer (Fri,) studied this question.