A critique of directionality theory

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
Michael Bulmer

Abstract

Directionality theory suggests that demographic entropy, defined in a way analogous to thermodynamic entropy, is as important as the Malthusian parameter in determining life history evolution in an age-structured population. In particular, it suggests that entropy should increase in equilibrium species and decrease in opportunistic species. This theory has been applied to explain the evolution of body size and of senescence. It has been claimed recently that this theory has been validated by a simulation study, but it is argued here that this study reveals substantial flaws in directionality theory and that the Malthusian parameter rather than entropy is the appropriate tool in the study of life history evolution.

References

Jan 1, 1977·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·L Demetrius
Sep 21, 1978·Nature·L Demetrius
Mar 1, 1975·Genetics·L Demetrius
Apr 1, 1989·Mathematical Biosciences·L Demetrius
Dec 1, 1974·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·L Demetrius
Apr 15, 1997·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·L Demetrius
Sep 2, 2000·Journal of Theoretical Biology·L Demetrius
Jan 2, 2001·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·L Demetrius
Sep 26, 2001·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·L Demetrius
Apr 7, 2004·Theoretical Population Biology·Lloyd DemetriusGunter Ochs
May 5, 2005·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Axel Kowald, Lloyd Demetrius
Jul 19, 2005·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Martin Ziehe, Lloyd Demetrius

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

May 25, 2006·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Lloyd DemetriusMartin Ziehe

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved