Modeling Evolution

An Introduction to Numerical Methods

Derek A. Roff

Discusses how to develop, solve, and interpret computer models numerically, focusing on the "nuts and bolts" of modeling (principally from an evolutionary perspective)
Incorporates a range of ecological and behavioural examples
A common chapter plan promotes clarity and facilitates student tuition
Emphasizes question formulation in evolutionary biology as well as subsequent implementation using computer code
Presents the detailed methodology by which code is written with explicit examples (and coding) provided in R and MATLAB (a companion website hosts the R and MATLAB coding in a form that can be downloaded and run)

Modeling Evolution

An Introduction to Numerical Methods

Derek A. Roff

Description

Computer modeling is now an integral part of research in evolutionary biology. The advent of increased processing power in the personal computer, coupled with the availability of languages such as R, SPLUS, Mathematica, Maple, Mathcad, and MATLAB, has ensured that the development and analysis of computer models of evolution is now within the capabilities of most graduate students. However, there are two hurdles that tend to discourage students from making full use of the power of computer modeling. The first is the general problem of formulating the question and the second is its implementation using an appropriate computer language.

Modelling Evolution outlines how evolutionary questions are formulated and how, in practice, they can be resolved by analytical and numerical methods (with the emphasis being on the latter). Following a general introduction to computer modeling, successive chapters describe "Fisherian" optimality models, invasibility analysis, genetic models, game theoretic models, and dynamic programming. A common chapter plan facilitates tuition and comprises an introduction (in which the general approach and methods are described) followed by a series of carefully structured scenarios that have been selected to highlight particular aspects of evolutionary modeling. Coding for each example is provided in either R or MATLAB since both of these programs are readily available and extensively used. This coding is available on the author's web site allowing easy implementation and study of the programs. Each chapter concludes with a list of exemplary papers which have been chosen on the basis of how well they explain and illustrate the techniques discussed in the chapter.

Modeling Evolution

An Introduction to Numerical Methods

Derek A. Roff

Modeling Evolution

An Introduction to Numerical Methods

Derek A. Roff

Author Information

Derek Roff received his undergraduate degree from Sydney University and his PhD from the University of British Columbia. He is presently Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology, at University of California, Riverside.

Modeling Evolution

An Introduction to Numerical Methods

Derek A. Roff

Reviews and Awards

"This textbook provides both an introduction to a wide range of models relevant in evolutionary biology as well as to the analytical, numerical, and computational methods for studying them. A further useful point is that the coding is available at the author's website, making implementation much easier." -- Reinhard Bu¨rger, Mathematics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

"Roff's book differs from currently available texts on evolutionary models by providing detailed examples in the form of imbedded code for R and also for MATLAB, a commercially available numerical computing environment. By tying the examples closely to the specific development platforms, the reader is provided with easily understandable, hands-on examples to follow." -- Evolution