SOME MATHEMATICAL CONSIDERATIONS ON THE PARENT-OFFSPRING CONFLICT PHENOMENON

A stochastic dynamic programming model for parent-offspring conflict i s analysed and discussed. We discuss how the conflict is resolved and how the ultimate offspring's independence age is determined between pa rent and offspring. The results of the mathematical model indicate the possibility that the observed behaviour of parental care may change d epending on the parent's age. This is because the compromise conclusio n of the parent-offspring conflict; depends on the parent's age: that is, essentially, on the parent's expected future reproductive value. M oreover, it is shown that the observed parent-offspring conflict possi bly depends also on the parent's age.