ABSTRACT
Mathematical functions describing the relationship between estimates of resource availability and vital rates are critical to developing quantitative, testable models about life history traits. The rejection of a connection between resource availability and adult mortality among the Ache is based on theoretical arguments that assume all adults should allocate abundant resources to somatic maintenance and repair as a life history priority. The hazard of conception leading to live birth may vary through time as a function of life cycle variables, or other intrinsic and endogenous factors that affect women. The independent variables have been chosen based on theoretical principles that suggest they should affect life history traits. The fact that paternal resources affect mainly infant survival on reservations but late childhood survival in the forest is somewhat puzzling. In theory parents can lower offspring mortality by locating their children in environments that contain fewer potential environmental and biological health insults.
