Testing theory on the ecology and evolution of complex life cycles

Complex life cycles have intrigued ecologists for decades. Animals like frogs, caterpillars, fish and sea stars transform their morphology through distinct phases, and these transitions expose the individual to new habitats, food resources, competitors and predators. To understand the evolution of complex life cycles, a number of theoretical models have been developed, but empirical tests of their assumptions remain rare. In my thesis, I test assumptions from a few theories, including a unifying model from Earl Werner. I find support for some assumptions, but not others, highlighting the need for future empirical work to update theory.