The book will benefit a reader with a background in physical sciences and applied mathematics interested in the mathematical models of genetic evolution. In the first chapter, we analyze several thought experiments based on a basic model of stochastic evolution of a single genomic site in the presence of the factors of random mutation, directional natural selection, and random genetic drift. In the second chapter, we present a more advanced theory for a large number of linked loci. In the third chapter, we include the effect of genetic recombination into account and find out the advantage of sexual reproduction for adaptation. These models are useful for the evolution of a broad range of asexual and sexual populations, including virus evolution in a host and a host population.
The book will benefit a reader with a background in physical sciences and applied mathematics interested in the mathematical models of genetic evolution. In the first chapter, we analyze several thought experiments based on a basic model of stochastic evolution of a single genomic site in the presence of the factors of random mutation, directional natural selection, and random genetic drift. In the second chapter, we present a more advanced theory for a large number of linked loci. In the third chapter, we include the effect of genetic recombination into account and find out the advantage of sexual reproduction for adaptation. These models are useful for the evolution of a broad range of asexual and sexual populations, including virus evolution in a host and a host population.
Population Genetics of Multiple Loci F. B. Christiansen University of Aarhus, Denmark "This is a very beautiful and powerful study of an area that Christiansen has dominated for many years." - Marcus Feldman, Stanford University, USA Population genetics thrives on the constant interaction between theoretical and empirical knowledge. In the first instance, population genetics was developed using one-locus, two-allele models for genetic variation. The simplicity of these models opened up theoretical developments in population and evolutionary genetics to biologists without specialist training in mathematics. Population genetics of multi-allelic loci is more complex and requires more mathematical insight, and its study is predominantly undertaken by mathematical biologists. Traditional formulations of multi-locus theory do not simplify by assuming two alleles per locus. In this elegant presentation the author provides a formulation of multi-locus population genetics that retains the simplicity of two-allele models. * Provides an accessible and natural extension of classical population genetics to multiple loci * Exposes the population genetic aspects of sexual reproduction * Describes the complexity of evolutionary interactions among genes * Provides the background for insight into the functioning of genetic algorithms applied in computer science * Written by a world leader in the field The book is divided into two main sections. Part I - Recombination and Segregation - includes coverage of random mating, inbreeding, migration and mixing. Part II - Selection - covers numerous phenomena involving natural selection including viability, fertility, mutation and migration. The author has successfully presented the theory in a way that is intelligible to anyone with a reasonably good background in basic mathematics and is devoted to learning multiple loci population genetics. The text is primarily aimed at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers interested in genetics and population biology. It is also essential reading for those working or researching in biomathematics and adaptive computing.
A range of theories on the rates of evolution-from static to gradual to punctuated to quantum-have been developed, mostly by comparing morphological changes over geological timescales as described in the fossil record.
“How can we develop microbial ecological theory?” The development of microbial ecological theory has a long way to reach its goal. Advances in microbial ecological techniques provide novel insights into microbial ecosystems. Articles in this book are challenging to determine the central and general tenets of the ecological theory that describes the features of microbial ecosystems. Their achievements expand the frontiers of current microbial ecology and propose the next step. Assemblage of these diverse articles hopefully helps to go on this long journey with many avenues for advancement of microbial ecology.
This book draws together some mathematical ideas that are useful in population genetics, concentrating on a few aspects which are both biologically relevant and mathematically interesting.
Using an interdisciplinary approach, the authors provide an adaptionist interpretation of the basic features of recombination, its evolutionary significance as a key process in reproduction and its importance in genetic mapping. The book synthesizes much recent information in the fields of evloutionary genetics of recombination, the analysis of genetic markers and breeding applications. The authors analyse recombination through a consideration of computer models, large Drosophila populations and an empirical approach to current theories. Practically-orientated readers will be interested in the discussion of a wide spectrum of mapping methods and the new algorithms proposed for genetic mapping of quantitative loci.
