Selection by differential mortality rates

Abstract

In this work, a partial differential equation model for evolutionary dynamics is presented that describes changes in densities of phenotypes in a population. We consider that the traits of individuals of a population are distributed at an interval of real numbers where a mortality rate is assigned for each value of this interval. We present some conditions for stability of stationary solutions and apply the model in theoretical scenarios of natural selection. Particularly we approach cases of stabilising, disruptive and directional selection, including the scenario of the survival of the flattest. Some computational simulations are performed to illustrate the results obtained.

Keywords

• evolution equation
• natural selection
• dynamical systems
• 92d25
• 92d40