Paper: A critique of directionality theory

From: "Robert Karl Stonjek" <rstonjek@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2006 13:25:07 -0500 (EST)

 Proceedings: Biological Sciences
ISSN: 0962-8452 (Paper) 1471-2954 (Online)
Issue: Volume 273, Number 1586 / March 07, 2006

Pages: 635 - 639
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2005.3344

A critique of directionality theory

Michael Bulmer A1
A1 The Old Vicarage Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, Devon EX37 9RQ, UK

Abstract:
Directionality theory suggests that demographic entropy, defined in a way
analogous to thermodynamic entropy, is as important as the Malthusian
parameter in determining life history evolution in an age-structured
population. In particular, it suggests that entropy should increase in
equilibrium species and decrease in opportunistic species. This theory has
been applied to explain the evolution of body size and of senescence. It has
been claimed recently that this theory has been validated by a simulation
study, but it is argued here that this study reveals substantial flaws in
directionality theory and that the Malthusian parameter rather than entropy
is the appropriate tool in the study of life history evolution.

Abstract and Full Text Links at The Royal Society
http://www.journals.royalsoc.ac.uk/link.asp?id=F55146070032663

Posted by
Robert Karl Stonjek


.

Follow-Ups:
- Re: Paper: A critique of directionality theory
  - From: g

Prev by Date: Relatively New Science of Evo-Devo
Next by Date: Re: More shotgunning of ocean microbial ecology.
Previous by thread: Relatively New Science of Evo-Devo
Next by thread: Re: Paper: A critique of directionality theory
Index(es):
- Date
- Thread