A soluble model of evolution and extinction dynamics in a rugged fitness landscape

Abstract

We consider a continuum version of a previously introduced and numerically studied model of macroevolution (PRL 75, 2055, (1995)) in which agents evolve by an optimization process in a rugged fitness landscape and die due to their competitive interactions. We first formulate dynamical equations for the fitness distribution and the survival probability. Secondly we analytically derive the $t^{-2}$ law which characterizes the life time distribution of biological genera. Thirdly we discuss other dynamical properties of the model such as the rate of extinction and conclude with a brief discussion.

6 pages LaTeX source with 2 figures. Submitted to PRL (Jan. 97)

References in corpus (1)

• Mass-extinction: Evolution and the effects of external influences on unfit species

Cited by in corpus (4)

• Neutral Mutations and Punctuated Equilibrium in Evolving Genetic Networks
• Evolution and extinction dynamics in rugged fitness landscapes
• Evolution dynamics in terraced NK landscapes
• Lifetimes of agents under external stress