Fisher's Malthusian parameter and reproductive value

Abstract

SUMMARY An explanation is given of Fisher's ‘Malthusian parameter’ m (= Lotka's ‘rate of increase’) and ‘reproductive value’ v . It is pointed out that there is a flaw in fisher's mathemathics due to his neglect of changes in population charactersitcs under natural selection, with the result that m equals the logarithmic rate of change of the total reproductive value of a population. A modified definition is given that does have this property. however, for practical uses in population genetic it may be better to follow Fisher's original definition despite the flaw in them.