Dynamics of Competition using a Bit String Model with Age Structure and Mutations

Using Monte Carlo simulations and analytic methods, we examine the dynamics of inter-species competition using the Penna bit-string model. We begin with a study of the steady state with a single species, then proceed to the dynamics of competition between two species. When the species are not evenly matched in fitness, a simple differential equation provides a satisfactory model of the behavior of the system. However, when the species are equally fit, we show that a model, originally proposed to describe population genetics [Fisher,Wright], is required. When mutations are allowed between the competing species, the dynamics becomes more interesting. The mutation rate becomes a parameter that dictates the steady state behavior. If the two species are not equally fit, the value of the mutation rate determines whether the longer-lived or faster reproducing species is favored. With two species that are equally fit, the steady state varies with mutation rate from a single peaked to a double peaked distribution. This behavior is shown to be well described by an extension to the Fisher-Wright model mentioned above. Finally, we describe the preliminary results of a few new lines of investigation, and suggest ideas for further study of the dynamics of this model.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Department dc:contributor.department

Physics

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Astalos, Robert Joseph

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Zia, Royce K. P.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Tauber, Uwe C.
• Schmittmann, Beate
• Indebetouw, Guy J.
• Hagedorn, George A.

• Bit-string Model
• Age Structure
• Monte Carlo
• Interspecies Competition

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-04192001-141911

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/26986