The rate-size trade-off structures intraspecific variation in Daphnia ambigua life history parameters.

ABSTRACT: The identification of trade-offs is necessary for understanding the evolution and maintenance of diversity. Here we employ the supply-demand (SD) body size optimization model to predict a trade-off between asymptotic body size and growth rate. We use the SD model to quantitatively predict the slope of the relationship between asymptotic body size and growth rate under high and low food regimes and then test the predictions against observations for Daphnia ambigua. Close quantitative agreement between observed and predicted slopes at both food levels lends support to the model and confirms that a 'rate-size' trade-off structures life history variation in this population. In contrast to classic life history expectations, growth and reproduction were positively correlated after controlling fo

SUBMITTER: DeLong JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3849075 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature