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Ecology and Adaptation of Stunted Growth in Fish

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  • J. Ylikarjula
  • M. Heino
  • U. Dieckmann

Abstract

Dwarf individuals are observed in many species of freshwater fish. This paper studies the potential causes of such stunted growth. We present a model which describes the effect of growth conditions on the age- and size- structure of fish populations. The model parameters are chosen to characterize a Eurasian perch population. Two possible causes of stunting are identified: resource limitation and size- or age-dependent survival probabilities. While the former mechanism often arises from intraspecific density dependence, the latter is of particular relevance in the context of interspecific interactions and fishing. After evaluating the immediate ecological consequences of these factors, we examine the potential for life-history adaptations in stunted fish populations. Interactions between the ecological and adaptive mechanisms of stunting are shown to be intricate: not only does the age at maturity of individuals affect their growth trajectories, but, in addition, alterations in growth conditions can result in different adaptively stable ages at maturity. We show that such adaptive responses can either alleviate or amplify stunting caused by ecological factors. Life-history adaptation may also lead to the persistence of stunting when ecological factors alone would allow for normal growth. an appreciation of the interplay between ecological and adaptive factors therefore is critical for understanding the causes and mechanisms of stunted growth.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Ylikarjula & M. Heino & U. Dieckmann, 1999. "Ecology and Adaptation of Stunted Growth in Fish," Working Papers ir99050, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:wop:iasawp:ir99050
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J.A.J. Metz & S.D. Mylius & O. Diekmann, 1996. "When Does Evolution Optimize? On the Relation Between Types of Density Dependence and Evolutionarily Stable Life History Parameters," Working Papers wp96004, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis.
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    Cited by:

    1. Giacomini, Henrique C. & DeAngelis, Donald L. & Trexler, Joel C. & Petrere, Miguel, 2013. "Trait contributions to fish community assembly emerge from trophic interactions in an individual-based model," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 251(C), pages 32-43.

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