The parameters defining the life history of an organism, for example, survival rates at different stages in life, birth rates, germination rates and dispersal rates, vary with the physical environment, such as weather, and also with the biological environment defined by the densities of organisms of different sorts. A general mathematical theory of life-history evolution will be developed that takes into account the interacting effects of a varying environment and organism densities. Mathematical models will be developed and investigated using probability theory, dynamical systems theory, and computer simulation. Particular emphasis will be placed on annual plant germination, growth, survival and reproductive relations in perennial organisms, and seasonal variation in growth of perennial plants.
The life history of an organism is fundamental to the way it relates to its environment, and therefore the life history is fundamental to predicting what will happen to the organism as conditions change either through human intervention or natural causes. The complexity of the subject means that effective study requires a theoretical framework to generate hypotheses, which can then be tested empirically. Although separate theories for the effects of a varying physical environment and organism densities have been developed previously, there has been very limited attention to their interaction. The results of the study should have wide applicability to wild organisms (flora and fauna, pests, weeds and fisheries), with some applications also to crops and domestic animals.
