An Extension of Rushton's Theory of Race Differences in [i]r[/i]-K Life History Strategy to Australian Aborigines

Abstract

Rushton's theory of race differences in r-K life history strategy is extended to Australian Aborigines. Outcomes related to the life cycle, such as fertility, infant mortality and life expectancy, are examined, as well as problem behaviors and sexually transmitted diseases. Results show that on most of these measures, differences between European-origin Australians and Australian Aborigines are larger than those between blacks and whites in the United States. In Rushton’s theoretical framework, this indicates that Australian Aborigines are higher r and lower K than Negroids.