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Hierarchical response models: new perspectives on development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2025

David A. Coall Open the ORCID record for David A. Coall [Opens in a new window] ,
Rebecca Sear Open the ORCID record for Rebecca Sear [Opens in a new window] ,
Shantha P. Karthigesu Open the ORCID record for Shantha P. Karthigesu [Opens in a new window]  and
James S. Chisholm
David A. Coall*
Affiliation:
School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia d.coall@ecu.edu.au s.karthigesu@ecu.edu.au
Rebecca Sear
Affiliation:
Centre for Culture and Evolution, Brunel University London, UK rebecca.sear@brunel.ac.uk
Shantha P. Karthigesu
Affiliation:
School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia d.coall@ecu.edu.au s.karthigesu@ecu.edu.au
James S. Chisholm
Affiliation:
School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia jim.chisholm@uwa.edu.au
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

Hierarchical response models are advancing our understanding of the facultative adjustment of development and reproduction to the environment. E, R, and K’s manuscript brings together a vast array of empirical data to support their Tier 2 model highlighting the importance of both the energetic and local mortality environments for reproductive development and timing. We propose that incorporating existing hierarchical response models, as well as analyses from industrial societies, will aid the hunt for underlying mechanisms that embody the local mortality environment impacting reproductive schedules.

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Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 48 , 2025 , e105
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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