Impact of population size at a rate of morphological and molecular evolution – the use of an object-oriented model

Abstract

A generalization of Moran model of evolution is created using object-oriented method of modelling. A population consists of individuals which have a genotype and a phenotype. The genotype is inherited by descendants and it can mutate. The phenotype is dependent on the genotype. Moreover, the phenotype causes changes in the fitness of the individuals (natural selection which four kinds are defined and analysed). Evolution of the population appears spontaneously. This model is used to analyse how population size influence the rate of evolution. Evolution is manifested by two processes: the increase of the phenotype size (morphological evolution) and number of mutations accumulated on genes (molecular evolution). The rate of evolution increases if population size increases. An adaptive natural selection causes nonlinear changes in the phenotype size and number of mutations accumulated on genes. A competitive natural selection causes linear evolution. A surviving natural selection causes the faster evolution than a reproductive natural selection.