GAME-THEORY MODELS OF COMPETITION IN CLOSED SYSTEMS - ASYMMETRIES IN FIGHTING AND COMPETITIVE ABILITY

A game theory model is presented which investigates the effect of asymmetries on the evolution of competition strategies in a closed system. The system of larval competition in Callosobruchus beetles is used as a basis and two asymmetries are considered; an asymmetry in fighting ability acid an asymmetry in passive competitive ability. If the asymmetries are not detected by the larvae then the predictions of the model art the same as those of simpler models without asymmetry. If the asymmetries are detected then the model allows for the possibility of conditional strategies. In contrast to the situation in open systems, the results of this model suggest that detectable asymmetry in fighting or passive competitive ability may make the evolution of contest competition strategies more likely than is suggested by simple models without asymmetries.