Equivalence of maximizing reproductive value and fitness in the case of reproductive strategies

Abstract

The proposed equivalence of maximizing reproductive value and fitness is examined for 2 model life histories. In the 1st instance, it is assumed that offspring [animal] are fledged before the start of the next breeding season. In this case the proposed equivalence is verified. In the 2nd model, parents care for their progeny for more than 1 yr. In this case the optimal reproductive expenditure at a particular age depends on both current reproductive value and the diminution in survival rates of previously conceived young still dependent on parental protection.