Table 1.
Model parameters, descriptions and estimated values. (The variable L denotes expected adult life span. See the electronic supplementary material for discussion of parameter values.)
| parameter | description | estimate |
|---|---|---|
| τ0 | weaning age (youngest age eligible for adoption) | 2 years |
| τ1(L) | age of independence | L/6 |
| τ2(L) | age of female sexual maturity | L/2.5 + τ0 |
| τ3 | age female fertility ends | 45 |
| τ4(L) | age of frailty (ineligibility to adopt dependents) | min {2L, 75} |
| σ1 | age of beginning of male eligibility period | 20 years |
| σ2 | age of beginning of male ineligibility period | 25 years |
| c | female conception and delivery rate | 1/year |
| α(L) | male weighting factor for mating | decreasing function of L |
| μ | probability of mutation in L at birth | 5% |
| K | population carrying capacity | 1000 individuals |
| Δt | time step of simulation | 1/3 year |