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Simulation of local evolutionary dynamics of small populations

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Abstract

A simple stochastic model assuming continuous traits, normally distributed modifications, selection for fertility and multiplicative fitness was used to simulate phenotypic evolution by “reproducing individuals” in a given fitness landscape. Of particular interest was how small populations cross saddles separating distinct adaptive peaks. The simulated evolution exhibits a strong dualism: at the same level of reproductive errors, sexual reproduction provides significantly better local adaptation and asexual repreduction provides significantly better adaptive dynamics.

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Galar, R. Simulation of local evolutionary dynamics of small populations. Biol. Cybern. 65, 37–45 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00197288

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00197288

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