Exploring inbreeding dynamics by considering reproductive bound and polygyny

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Anthropology
• Mathematical Modeling

Background:

• Inbreeding is a critical population measure influenced by social structures like population size and cultural traits.
• Existing models often lack biologically realistic assumptions regarding male reproductive skew (polygyny) and bounded female reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an expanded model for analyzing inbreeding dynamics.
• To incorporate explicit considerations of polygyny and female reproductive bounds into population genetic models.
• To investigate the impact of these factors on inbreeding coefficients.

Main Methods:

• Developed an elaborate mathematical model incorporating polygyny degree and female reproductive bounds.
• Simulated changes in parameters including polygyny, reproductive bounds (correlated with mutation rate), and population size.
• Modeled inbreeding coefficient dynamics in an imaginary human population transitioning from prehistoric to modern societal traits.

Main Results:

• The disappearance of polygyny leads to a sustained decrease in the inbreeding coefficient.
• A decreased female reproductive bound, associated with a higher mutation rate, also results in lower inbreeding.
• The model successfully explains decreasing prehistoric inbreeding trends and predicts shifts with modern societal characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Polygyny and reproductive bounds are significant determinants of inbreeding coefficients.
• Societal shifts, such as the decline of polygyny and later marriage ages, demonstrably alter inbreeding dynamics.
• The model provides a framework for understanding historical and predicting future inbreeding trends in human populations.