Simulation of Evolutionary Dynamics in Finite Populations

Abstract

In finite populations, evolutionary dynamics can no longer be described by deterministic differential equations, but require a stochastic formulation [1]. We show how Mathematica can be used to both simulate and visualize evolutionary processes in limited populations. The Moran process is introduced as the basic stochastic model of an evolutionary process in finite populations. This model is extended to mixed populations with relative fitness differences. We combine population ecology with game theoretic ideas, simulating evolutionary games in wellmixed and structured populations.