Events at CERGE-EI

Prof. David Storch

Center for Theoretical Study & Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague

Abstract: Biological diversity is the central topic in ecology. Many diversity patterns have been described, but their causes often remain unclear. One of the most striking patterns is the interspecific variation in life-histories, i.e. in the fitness-related traits directly linked to survival and reproduction: even species living in similar environment may differ by orders of magnitude in their longevity or number of descendants. Current theory of life-history evolution is based on the idea of optimization within particular trade-offs given by various evolutionary constraints. I will show how the fundamental building blocks of this theory combine to explain incredible variation in animal and plant life-histories and how is this variation related to the properties of different habitats. Then I will discuss possible applications of the life-history theory for human societies.