English

A model of macroevolution with a natural system size

adap-org 2008-02-03 v2 Statistical Mechanics Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems q-bio

Abstract

We describe a simple model of evolution which incorporates the branching and extinction of species lines, and also includes abiotic influences. A first principles approach is taken in which the probability for speciation and extinction are defined purely in terms of the fitness landscapes of each species. Numerical simulations show that the total diversity fluctuates around a natural system size NnatN_{\rm nat} which only weakly depends upon the number of connections per species. This is in agreement with known data for real multispecies communities. The numerical results are confirmed by approximate mean field analysis.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.adap-org/9611003,
  title  = {A model of macroevolution with a natural system size},
  author = {D. A. Head and G. J. Rodgers},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:adap-org/9611003},
  year   = {2008}
}

Comments

Complete rewrite, small mistake in model corrected

R2 v1 2026-07-22T07:40:41.360Z