Fast stochastic algorithm for simulating evolutionary population dynamics.

ABSTRACT:

Motivation

Many important aspects of evolutionary dynamics can only be addressed through simulations. However, accurate simulations of realistically large populations over long periods of time needed for evolution to proceed are computationally expensive. Mutants can be present in very small numbers and yet (if they are more fit than others) be the key part of the evolutionary process. This leads to significant stochasticity that needs to be accounted for. Different evolutionary events occur at very different time scales: mutations are typically much rarer than reproduction and deaths.

Results

We introduce a new exact algorithm for fast fully stochastic simulations of evolutionary dynamics that include birth, death and mutation events. It produces a significant speedup compa

SUBMITTER: Mather WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3338019 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature