Simulation of fig wasp inclusive fitness outcomes under
differential hybrid embryo mortalities according to the ‘oviposition
trade-off’ hypothesis
Inclusive fitness of individual wasp foundresses differed according to
the imposition of CI-induced egg mortality (Fig. 5). As the population
level of conspecific mating increases, a greater number of pixels
(representing relative conspecific-heterospecifc mating fitness values)
begin to favour the CI-induced egg mortality model (Table 1). Low levels
of conspecific mating do not favour CI as minimal gains in favourable
ovipositioning outcomes do not outweigh large-scale fecundity losses of
heterospecific matings. At greater levels of conspecific mating
(>60%), even marginal relative fitness differences between
conspecific and heterospecific offspring (e.g., 0.55 versus 0.45,
respectively) result in higher inclusive fitness for foundresses
operating under CI-induced egg mortality. This is because favourable
ovipositioning positively trades-off against reductions in foundress
fecundity.