⊿ Point. {R} Glossary. ◢ Keyword: L. ◥ University. {q} PhD. {tr} Training. ⚫ UK. ↂ EndNote. ☝️ Weerakkody. ✊ Harvey (2009) Life history theory. Analytical framework to study life history strategies used by organisms The theory was developed in the 1950s[4] and is used to answer questions about topics such as organism size, age of maturation, number of offspring, life span, and many others.[5] In order to study these topics, life history strategies must be identified, and then models are constructed to study their effects. Organisms have evolved a great variety of life histories, from Pacific salmon, which produce thousands of eggs at one time and then die, to human beings, who produce a few offspring over the course of decades.
The theory depends on principles of evolutionary biology and ecology and is widely used in other areas of science. Brief history of field[edit] Life history theory is seen as a branch of evolutionary ecology[2] and is used in a variety of different fields. Life cycle[edit] Life cycles can be divided into two major stages: growth and reproduction.
Darwinian fitness[edit] Traits[edit] Strategies[edit]