Age Predicts Risky Investment Better Than Residual Reproductive Value

Life-history theory predicts that investment in reproduction should increase as future reproductive potential (i.e., residual value [RRV]) decreases. Researchers have thus intuitively used age a proxy for RRV and assume decreases with when interpreting age-specific investment. Yet is an imperfect may even be poor correlate some systems. We 31-year study of the nesting ecology painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) to assess how compare explaining variation risky behavior. predicted would better predictor than because accounts across life. found was high early life, slowly decreased until midlife, then steadily terminal reproduction. However, behavior RRV. This finding suggests stronger correlates (e.g., size) more responsible this turtles. highlights researchers not driven by work quantify directly test key element life-history theory.