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A simulation approach to evolutionary game theory: the evolution of time-sharing behaviour in a dragonfly mating system

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Summary

The time-sharing behaviour of dragonfly males (Aeschna cyanea, Odonata) at the mating place is investigated. By computer simulation of the males' interactions the expected number of copulations for different strategies is quantified. The simulation results show that a male's mating succes depends on his strategy and that a strategy's specific pay-off depends on the frequency distribution of strategies in the population. Based on these results, a method for the simulation of the evolutionary process is presented. This approach to evolutionary game theory allows the prediction of evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS), even when the system studied is far too complex for an analytical solution. For the time-sharing behaviour of Ac. cyanea males at the mating place the ESS predicted by the simulation approach complies with field observations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lehrstuhl für Biologie V (Ökologie) der RWTH, Kopernikusstrasse 16, D-5100, Aachen, Federal Republic of Germany

    Hans-Joachim Poethke & Heinrich Kaiser

Authors
  1. Hans-Joachim Poethke
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  2. Heinrich Kaiser
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Poethke, HJ., Kaiser, H. A simulation approach to evolutionary game theory: the evolution of time-sharing behaviour in a dragonfly mating system. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 18, 155–163 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00299044

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00299044

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