An object-oriented, individual-based approach for simulating the dynamics of genes in subdivided populations
Authored by Johnathan T Kool
Date Published: 2009
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2009.06.002
Sponsors:
Australian Research Council (ARC)
Australian Institute of Marine Science
Platforms:
Java
Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Flow charts
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
Model code not found
Abstract
An object-oriented, individual-based simulation framework was developed
for modeling the diffusion of genetic material in subdivided
populations. Objects representing individual organisms were defined, each with a unique genotype composed of gene objects. The organisms mate
and reproduce, and progeny disperse or recruit back to their native
population through the use of a Movement interface. The object-oriented
approach is also linked to analytical theory through the development of
matrix-based equations. An implementation of the model demonstrates how
changes to basic population parameters affect spatial and temporal
genetic structure. Scalar changes to the system affect the duration over
which processes occur as well as the degree of variance, but appear to
leave overall structural patterns unchanged. Object-oriented programming
provides some unique advantages for modeling population genetic
processes, including the use of abstraction and implementation, as well
as the ability to accommodate complex, heterogeneous behavior. Crown
Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Tags
Migration
connectivity
Diversity
Habitat fragmentation
Model
Climate-change
Consequences
Conservation genetics
Auto-correlation analysis
Autocorrelation