Population Genetics with Fluctuating Population Sizes
arXiv:1608.08166 · doi:10.1007/s10955-017-1741-y
Abstract
Standard neutral population genetics theory with a strictly fixed population size has important limitations. An alternative model that allows independently fluctuating population sizes and reproduces the standard neutral evolution is reviewed. We then study a situation such that the competing species are neutral at the equilibrium population size but population size fluctuations nevertheless favor fixation of one species over the other. In this case, a separation of timescales emerges naturally and allows adiabatic elimination of a fast population size variable to deduce the fluctuations-induced selection dynamics near the equilibrium population size. The results highlight the incompleteness of the standard population genetics with a strictly fixed population size.
Submitted to Journal of Statistical Physics, Special Issue: Dedicated to the Memory of Leo Kadanoff. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1412.6688