Growth, competition and cooperation in spatial population genetics

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Mathematical Biology
• Ecological Modeling

Background:

• Classic spatial population genetics models often use discrete spaces.
• Demographic stochasticity and fluctuating population densities are crucial in real-world competition.
• Continuous space models are needed to capture nuanced spatial dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and analyze an individual-based model for spatial competition between two alleles in a continuous environment.
• To investigate the impact of demographic stochasticity on population dynamics.
• To examine neutral, competitive, and cooperative interactions and their effects on genetic diversity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an individual-based model with continuous space.
• Employed analytical techniques and numerical simulations.
• Studied fixation probabilities, fixation times, and heterozygosity.

Main Results:

• Characterized the behavior of fixation probabilities and times under various interaction scenarios.
• Quantified heterozygosity in neutral and non-neutral settings.
• Demonstrated the model's applicability to fluctuating population densities.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a flexible framework for studying spatial competition.
• It is particularly relevant for understanding ecological dynamics in marine environments with fluid transport.
• The model captures essential features of competition influenced by spatial structure and stochasticity.