[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: Sibling predation (stringing it all together)



>basis for natural selection is that 'your' genes must survive because
>you are the fittest. The father gains nothing by rubbing out his
>sons but his sons and faugthers benefit by reducing the competion
>(i.e.: their younger siblings and eggs).

Only if the increase in their own reproduction offsets the loss of their
genes in the sibs.

>
>Kin selection is a response to selective presures other than
>reseource linitations or territory.

Not necessarily.  If a kin group can take care of a larger territory per
individual than individuals, kin selection can come into play.  However, as
you point out the implies some cooperation.

I think one of the biggest issues here is that the tank is much smaller
than a natural body of water.  IIn a tank, all eggs and fry are likely to
be your offspring or your sibs, but in the wild, that's probably not the
case, so eating all fry and eggs encountered as a matter of course probably
means an energy bonus with no inclusive fitness cost.

Doug


Doug Karpa-Wilson
1821 S. Maxwell St.
Bloomington, IN 47401


---------------
See http://www.aka.org/AKA/subkillietalk.html to unsubscribe


Follow-Ups: References: