Summary
Hawk-dove models predict stable mixes of aggressive and peaceful strategies in populations.
In depth
Hawk-dove: ESS proportion of hawks = V/C when cost C exceeds value V. War of attrition and producer-scrounger games. Frequency dependence is key.
Payoffs are measured as fitness. A strategy is an ESS if it does better than any rare mutant. Mixed strategies can be stable as proportions of individuals or probabilities for each individual.
Key idea: the best choice depends on what others in the population are doing.
Evolutionary game theory, developed by John Maynard Smith, analyses strategies whose payoff depends on what others do. An evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) cannot be invaded by a rare alternative once most individuals adopt it.
In the hawk-dove game, hawks always escalate and doves display; because hawks do badly against each other when injury costs exceed the prize, the population settles at a mix. Related models explain bluffing, resource sharing and territory ownership.
Example: dung fly males and side-blotched lizards show stable mixtures of mating tactics.
Key idea: fitness depends on frequency, so the best behaviour changes with the behaviour of others.
Frequently asked questions
What is Game Theory in Behaviour?
Hawk-dove models predict stable mixes of aggressive and peaceful strategies in populations.
Which area of biology covers Game Theory in Behaviour, and how advanced is it?
Game Theory in Behaviour is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Hamilton's Rule, Animal Personality, Behavioural Plasticity and Climate.
Can you give an example of Game Theory in Behaviour?
Dung beetles show alternative mating tactics of fighters and sneakers.
What should I learn before Game Theory in Behaviour?
Work through the Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour first, such as Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour, then return to Game Theory in Behaviour. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Game Theory in Behaviour?
The closest topics to Game Theory in Behaviour are Hamilton's Rule, Animal Personality, Behavioural Plasticity and Climate, Social Groups. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Game Theory in Behaviour?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Game Theory in Behaviour. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Game Theory in Behaviour different from Hamilton's Rule?
Game Theory in Behaviour: Hawk-dove models predict stable mixes of aggressive and peaceful strategies in populations. Hamilton's Rule: Altruism evolves when relatedness times benefit exceeds the cost, rb greater than c. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Game Theory in Behaviour step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Hamilton's Rule and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.