Analytical, Dynamic Variable Game Theory Modelling, and Practical Investigations of the Sequential Tactics of Coursing and Tending in Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)

Abstract

Animals might use different mating tactics to increase their fitness. While some are genetically determined, some are plastic, depending on intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Within the plastic tactics, there can be further temporal structure, in which animals switch tactics once they reach a certain size or competitive ability. This thesis reviews the literature on the terminologies, strategies versus tactics, used in evolutionary game theory, while also making suggestions on improving, standardizing, and clarifying the use of terminology. It then looks at fixed-sequence mating tactics, using an analytical model, to investigate the conditions under which a fixed-sequence tactic can evolve. Then, using a dynamic variable game theory model, the thesis examines various parameters affecting the likelihood of a mating tactic called coursing to involve challenging the dominant male, using another tactic, called tending. Finally, this thesis analyses a long-term data set on bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) to see how coursing effort affects coursing and later-in-life tending outcomes.