MateSim: Monte Carlo simulation for the generation of mating tables.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Speciation processes
• Population genetics

Background:

• Mating patterns are crucial for understanding evolution and speciation.
• Individual mating preferences shape population mating frequencies.
• Encounter dynamics, not just preferences, influence observed mating patterns, especially in scenarios like monogamy with small populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a software program, MateSim, for simulating mating processes.
• To investigate how encounter models and preference functions affect mating patterns.
• To explore the influence of time dependence and aging on mating dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Simulation of mating processes for discrete and continuous traits.
• Implementation of various encounter models and individual preference functions.
• Inclusion of time dependence and aging effects in simulations.

Main Results:

• Replication and extension of a study on positive assortative mating arising from non-assortative preferences.
• Confirmation that assortative mating patterns can emerge due to mating among older or less preferred individuals.
• Demonstration that aging effects can eliminate observed assortative mating patterns.

Conclusions:

• The simulation software MateSim provides a tool to study mating dynamics.
• Encounter limitations and aging can lead to emergent assortative mating patterns.
• Observed mating patterns may not always directly reflect underlying individual preferences.