Individual Based Model for Grouper Populations

Dusky groupers ( Epinephelus marginatus ) are characterized by a complex sex allocation strategies and overexploitation of bigger individuals. We developed an individual based model to investigate the long-term effects of density dependence on grouper population dynamics and to analyze the variabili...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta biotheoretica 2010-09, Vol.58 (2-3), p.247-264
Main Authors: Ben Miled, Slimane, Kebir, Amira, Hbid, Moulay Lhassan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Bass - genetics
Bass - growth & development
Bass - physiology
Biological Evolution
Body Size
Ecosystem
Education
Evolutionary Biology
Extinction, Biological
Female
Life Sciences
Male
Models, Biological
Ovotesticular Disorders of Sex Development - genetics
Philosophy
Philosophy of Biology
Population Dynamics
Regular Article
Reproduction
Sex Ratio
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Summary:Dusky groupers ( Epinephelus marginatus ) are characterized by a complex sex allocation strategies and overexploitation of bigger individuals. We developed an individual based model to investigate the long-term effects of density dependence on grouper population dynamics and to analyze the variabilities of extinction probabilities as a result of interacting mortalities at different life stages. We conduct several simulations with different forms of sex allocation functions and different combinations of mortality rates. The model was parametrized using data on dusky grouper populations from the literature. The most important insights produced by this simulation study are that density dependence of sex allocation is an evolutionarily stable strategy, increases the population biomass, mitigates the effect of the removal of large male and indicates a need for protection of females and flexible stages.
ISSN:0001-5342
1572-8358
DOI:10.1007/s10441-010-9105-x