Game Theory Models of Competition in Closed Systems: Asymmetries in Fighting and Competitive Ability

Abstract

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 and an asymmetry in passive competitive ability. If the asymmetries are not detected by the larvae than the predictions of the model are the same as those of simpler models without asymmetry. If the asymmetries are detected then the model allows for the possibility of conditional strategies