Using r-K Selection Theory to Predict Natural Mortality
Theory on r-K selection is used as a basis for examining correlations between instantaneous rate of natural mortality (M), gonad-body weight index, age at maturity, longevity, and Bertalanffy growth parameters (k, L∞) for 10 species of marine fish. All correlations were consistent with r-K selection theory. The gonad-body weight index was found to be more highly correlated with M than any of the other life history parameters examined (r2 = 0.62), and stepwise multiple regression showed that additional variables added little to the predictive ability of the model. The gonad-body weight index appears to be quite useful in predicting M, and development of an analogous index on an energetics basis might enhance its utility in this regard.Key words: natural mortality, r-K selection, life history parameters