
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Bergmans, M 
T1  - Critique of some practices in life-history studies, with special reference to harpacticoid copepods
JF  - Marine and Freshwater Research
JO  - Mar. Freshwater Res.
Y1  - 1984
VL  - 35
IS  - 3
SP  - 375
EP  - 383
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/MF9840375 
N2  - Published studies on the demography and reproductive strategies of harpacticoid copepods are examined critically. At the technical level, the popular approximation r &#8776; In R0/Tc is shown to be inappropriate as an estimate of the intrinsic rate of increase of harpacticoids. It leads to a systematic underestimation, by 8-29%, for life histories typical of fast-breeding species. Various ad hoc variants of r and R0 calculations occurring in the literature are also criticized. .At the conceptual level, a more discriminating approach to life-history characteristics is necessary; this applies both to the assessment of their 'strategic' significance, and to their diagnostic power with regard to the various 'strategies'. Special attention is given to the non-equivalence of parity and voltinism. Recommendations that should promote the construction of a more rigorous cognitive framework are included. 
ER  -

