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Drastic growth effect may explain sympatric cannibalistic polymorphism.

Joe Yuichiro Wakano1

  • 1Department of Chemical System Engineering, University of Tokyo-Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan. joe@biol.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|November 26, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Cannibalistic polyphenism in amphibians is maintained by a game model where the cannibal morph gains a significant growth advantage. This "drastic growth effect" allows coexistence of typical and cannibal morphs, especially when social standing, not just food, is the reward.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Behavioral ecology
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Cannibalistic polyphenism, where individuals adopt a cannibal morph, is common in amphibians and fishes.
  • While benefits and costs are known, the mechanism maintaining this polymorphism is unclear.
  • Amphibian larvae exhibit coexistence of typical and cannibal morphs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a game model explaining the stable coexistence of typical and cannibal morphs.
  • To identify the conditions necessary for maintaining cannibalistic polymorphism.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of a game model analyzing typical and cannibal morph strategies.
  • Inclusion of a 'drastic growth effect' where cannibalism leads to a larger size (giant stage).

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Main Results:

  • Stable coexistence requires a 'drastic growth effect'; without it, polymorphism is not maintained.
  • The model predicts stable coexistence when a giant morph's payoff is double that of a normal individual.
  • Direct consumption as a reward does not explain coexistence; social standing does.

Conclusions:

  • Cannibalistic polymorphism can be stable if cannibalism confers a significant growth advantage, leading to a 'giant' morph.
  • The reward for cannibalism, framed as social standing or size advantage, is crucial for maintaining polymorphism.
  • This model offers an explanation for sympatric cannibalistic polymorphism irrespective of initial size variation or resource scarcity.