Growth, competition and cooperation in spatial population genetics

Authored by S Pigolotti, R Benzi, P Perlekar, M H Jensen, F Toschi, D R Nelson

Date Published: 2013

DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2012.12.002

Sponsors: United States National Science Foundation (NSF)

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Flow charts Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

We study an individual based model describing competition in space between two different alleles. Although the model is similar in spirit to classic models of spatial population genetics such as the stepping stone model, here however space is continuous and the total density of competing individuals fluctuates due to demographic stochasticity. By means of analytics and numerical simulations, we study the behavior of fixation probabilities, fixation times, and heterozygosity, in a neutral setting and in cases where the two species can compete or cooperate. By concluding with examples in which individuals are transported by fluid flows, we argue that this model is a natural choice to describe competition in marine environments. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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systems Distance Flows