Eight personal rules for doing science

Abstract

Adaptive dynamics (AD) is not a scientific theory, but a mathematical framework for dealing with eco-evolutionary problems, based on a varied set of simplifying assumptions as a means of approaching problems of otherwise greater complexity. As such it may be compared with e.g. the theory of stochastic processes, or of differential equations. AD can make predictions only in a similar way to these theories: it lays bare consistent patterns in mathematical structures, some of which hopefully connect to the real world. Predictions largely come from specific models. AD studies the tools for analysing such models. Like in the theory of differential equations or bifurcation theory, a number of these tools already existed before the abstract theory took off. AD creates order on an abstract level, which in turn helps in constructing new tools. As far as the use of the newer tools is concerned, AD can be said to have contributed to predictions. Another class of predictions from AD arise from arguments on the frequency with which one may expect different situations to occur.