Stage-Structured Evolutionary Demography: Linking Life Histories, Population Genetics, and Ecological Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Population genetics
• Ecological modeling

Background:

• Understanding evolution requires integrating demographic processes and ecological interactions.
• Matrix population models are powerful tools for demographic analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel framework combining Mendelian genetics with matrix population models.
• To investigate the conditions for protected genetic polymorphism.

Main Methods:

• Constructing a nonlinear population projection matrix incorporating stage and genotype structure.
• Deriving conditions for genetic polymorphism in linear, time-independent demography.

Main Results:

• Genotype-specific population growth rates do not determine selection outcomes.
• Heterozygote superiority in growth rate is not always necessary or sufficient for polymorphism.
• Population growth rates may not increase, and evolutionary suicide can lead to extinction.

Conclusions:

• The developed model integrates genetics and demography to study evolutionary dynamics.
• The study challenges traditional views on the role of population growth rate in selection.
• The model, applied to buzzard color polymorphism, supports stable genetic polymorphism and declining growth rates.