An Analysis Of The Fixation Probability Of A Mutant On Special Classes Of Non-directed Graphs

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 02 Jun 2008 - 8:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Traditionally the modelling of evolution has assumed homogeneous populations, partly because modelling real populations with complex underlying structures mathematically is difficult.

Recent investigations of structured models, represented by graphs, have shown that some structures are far more conducive to the process of evolution, indicated by the ability of initially rare mutants to invade, than others.

We analyse mathematically two important classes of graphs and find solutions for the probability of successful mutant invasion.

We find that this probability is always larger than in the homogeneous populations commonly used in modelling.

Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences

Proceedings A publishes peer reviewed research articles in the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences. The emphasis is on new, emerging areas of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. The Editor will also consider short reviews, but only if they contain original and interesting new ideas.

www.publishing.royalsociety.org/proceedingsa