Random models in ecology and evolution (Q265777)

This book reviews a large array of probabilistic techniques for the modelling and analysis of spatial dynamics of populations, aiming to be a comprehensive, self-contained reference text for mathematically minded biologists and applied mathematicians alike. The presentation is clear, accompanied by a large number of examples. Chapters 2 to 6 (of a total of 7) end with a set of 5--10 problems, each with their own extensive set of questions, making the book suitable for classroom use. The fundamental hypothesis regarding the models in this book is that the populations, described by stochastic processes, have Markovian behavior, that is, their future actions depend only on the current state. Apart from that, all modelling and analysis are done using only finite dimensional spaces, discrete and continuous, which simplifies the presentation. Chapter 1 is concerned with several historical remarks on the quantitative study of populations, distinguishing between populations with general reproductive processes, but not accounting for interactions between individuals, described by branching processes, and models with simpler reproductive processes, but which account for the competition between individuals, described by birth-death processes. A heuristic motivation for the use of probabilistic tools to model naturally occurring evolutionary processes is also given. Chapter 2 deals with basic concepts regarding spatial populations in discrete time, introducing the notion of a Markov chain and of a martingale in discrete time and establishing ergodic theorems. The central notion is that of a random walk, the cases of absorbing and reflecting barriers being considered. Chapter 3 is concerned with Bienaymé-Galton-Walton (BGW) processes, studying their quasi-stationary behavior and establishing their utility in the modelling of disease propagation and population genetics phenomena. Several possible extensions, namely density-dependent chains, BGW processes with immigration and multi-type BGW processes are also discussed. Chapter 4 introduces the basic principles and methods of stochastic calculus. To this purpose, the author starts with the fundamental notion of a Brownian motion, defined as a limit of renormalized random walks, and then connects Brownian motions with Markov processes and with martingales in continuous time, respectively. The stochastic integral is then introduced and its properties established. This, in turn, leads to a more accurate modelling of phenomena in which rapid, erratic changes occur, via stochastic differential equations whose solutions are now properly defined via stochastic integrals. Feller equations and equations giving rise to Ornstein-Uhlenbeck and Wright-Fisher processes are then given as prototype examples of stochastic differential equations which occur naturally in the study of populations. In Chapter 5, the author considers populations in which individuals reproduce and die continuously (which leads to continuous time considerations), introducing and studying systematically the notion of a Markov jump process. The Poisson process is then investigated as the prototype of such a process. A semigroup viewpoint is then taken, the generator of a Markov jump process being defined and discussed. Branching processes and birth-death processes in continuous time are then given biologically motivated introductions, extinction criteria being also provided. In Chapter 6, concerned with processes of genetic evolution, the author presents classical models which describe the transmission of genetic information. For the case of a finite population, the author discusses the Wright-Fisher process with and without selection and mutation. The chapter then continues with a discussion on demographic models of diffusion and on coalescent theory, the latter representing a stochastic process which permits the reconstruction of the common ancestry of a group of individuals. The last chapter summarizes recent research results in ecology and population dynamics which can be regarded as developments of the previously introduced probabilistic tools. Specifically of concern are the growth and persistence of source-sink metapopulations, evolutionary stability of patch selection strategies, adaptive dynamics and evolutionary branching and modelling of density-dependent diploid populations.