A Darwinian version of the Leslie logistic model for age-structured populations.

Abstract

The known global dynamics of the classic Leslie logistic model for the dynamics of an age-structured population are extended to a Darwinian dynamic version of the model for a single phenotypic trait (that is subject to natural selection). This is done under the assumption that the speed of evolution does not exceed an upper bound and that the maximum intraspecific competition intensity experienced by an individual occurs when its inherited trait equals that of the population mean trait. An example is given that applies the results to a model in which age-specific birth rates are subject to natural selection and that illustrates conditions under which evolution favors an iteroparous-type or a semelparous-type of life history strategy.