Optimality models in behavioural biology
J.M. McNamara, A.I. Houston & E.J. Collins
The action of natural selection results in organisms that are good at
surviving and reproducing. We show how this intuitive idea can be
given a formal definition in terms of fitness and reproductive
value. An optimal strategy maximizes fitness, and reproductive value
provides a common currency for comparing different actions. We
provide a broad review of models and methods that have been used in
this area, stressing the conceptual issues and exposing the logic of
evolutionary explanations.
Some key words:
Natural selection, fitness, reproductive value, optimization, game theory,
evolutionarily stable strategy.