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A Monte Carlo simulation model for studying evolution in age‐structured populations
Author(s) -
Sonleitner F. J.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
population ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1438-390X
pISSN - 1438-3896
DOI - 10.1007/pl00011997
Subject(s) - fecundity , biology , population , density dependence , selection (genetic algorithm) , locus (genetics) , allele , generation time , genetics , evolutionary biology , demography , gene , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science
This model provides for any number of genotypes defined by age‐specific survival and fecundity rates in a population with completely overlapping generations and growing under the control of density‐governing functions affecting survival or fecundity. It is tested in situations involving two alleles at one locus. Nonselection populations at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium obey the ecogenetic law; i.e., each genotype follows Lotka's law regarding rate of increase and stable age distribution as if it were an independent true‐breeding population. Populations experiencing age‐ and density‐independent selection approximate this situation, and the changes in gene frequency are predicted by relative fitnesses bases on λ , the finite rate of increase of the genotypes. Polymorphic gene equilibria occurring at steady‐state population sizes are determined by fitnesses based on R , the net reproductive rate. In examples involving differences in generation time produced by age‐dependent differences in fecundity, the allele associated with longer generation time may be favored or opposed by selection, depending on whether the density‐governing factor controlling population size affects survival or fecundity. If such genotypes have similar R's , a genetic equilibrium may be established if the population is governed by a density function acting upon fecundity.