Multi-objective optimization shapes ecological variation

Abstract: Ecological systems contain a huge amount of quantitative variation between and within species and locations, which makes it difficult to obtain unambiguous verification of theoretical predictions. Ordinary experiments consider just a few explanatory factors and are prone to providing oversimplified answers because they ignore the complexity of the factors that underlie variation. We used multi-objective optimization (MO) for a mechanistic analysis of the potential ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of variation in the life-history traits of a species of moth. Optimal life-history solutions were sought for environmental conditions where different life stages of the moth were subject to predation and other known fitness-reducing factors in a manner that was dependent on the duration of these life stages and on variable mortality rates. We found that multi-objective optimal solutions to these conditions that the moths regularly experience explained most of the life-history variation within this species. Our results demonstrate that variation can have a causal interpretation even for organisms under steady conditions. The results suggest that weather and species interactions can act as underlying causes of variation, and MO acts as a corresponding adaptive mechanism that maintains variation in the traits of organisms

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Edition: Postprint version
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: IN COPYRIGHT http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0 rs

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Tiere

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2012
• Creator: Kaitaniemi, Pekka ; Scheiner, Annette ; Klemola, Tero ; Ruohomäki, Kai
• Contributor: Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station, Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland ; Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Finland ; Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Further information

• DOI: 10.6094/UNIFR/13660
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-136605
• Rights: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:42 PM CET