The evolution of developmental thresholds and reaction norms for age and size at maturity.

ABSTRACT: Developing organisms typically mature earlier and at larger sizes in favorable growth conditions, while in rarer cases, maturity is delayed. The rarer reaction norm is easily accommodated by general life history models, whereas the common pattern is not. Theory suggests that a solution to this paradox lies in the existence of critical size thresholds at which maturation or metamorphosis can commence, and in the evolution of these threshold sizes in response to environmental variation. For example, ephemeral environments might favor the evolution of smaller thresholds, enabling earlier maturation. The threshold model makes two unique and untested predictions. First, reaction norms for age and size should steepen, and even change sign, with decreases in threshold size; second, food reduction

SUBMITTER: Nilsson-Ortman V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7896351 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature