Fitness optimization and evolution of permanent replicator systems (Q2659035)

This article focuses on the evolution of the fitness landscape of permanent replicator systems. The authors have developed an algorithm that simulates the process of adapting system parameters, which has the following properties: \begin{itemize} \item The developing system of the replicator is permanent: it can be controlled using an expression for the mean integral value of the fitness function. \item There is a limitation on the available resources and the optimization process takes place on the set of valid surfaces of the suitability landscape. \item The time of the evolutionary process has two scales. The first is the time of active ``internal'' dynamics of the system to a steady state, based on predetermined parameters of the fitness landscape. The second is a specific time of evolutionary adaptation of system parameters (evolutionary time). \item Evolutionary changes in the parameters of the system occur in a series of stationary states, \item Evolutionary time is much slower than internal time. \end{itemize} The proposed mathematical model is based on maximizing the mean values of suitability in steady states over a set of possible suitability landscapes. Both the Nash equilibrium and the ESS are related to the Lyapunov concept of stability, which can be interpreted as the dominance of some species or a group of coexisting species. On the other hand, one of the fundamental properties of living systems is to maintain non-equilibrium states and respond to changes in the environment. In this sense, this approach seems realistic, since there are no requirements for stability. The maximization process is associated with this growing diversity and complexity, which contribute to the development of the entire population of the species. Compared to Nash equilibrium, which is associated with selfish behavior, this process demonstrates a form of altruistic cooperation. The mathematical model allows for the development of different versions of dynamic fitness landscapes. Significant changes in the geometry of the fitness landscape are known in the course of evolution, however, from the point of view of the proposed classification, the general type of the fitness landscape remains the same. In the case under consideration, the hyperbolic type takes place. Numerical modeling has shown that the process of maximizing the average fitness is qualitatively similar for classical hypercycles and bi-hypercycles. At the beginning of the adaptation process of the fitness landscape, over a fairly long period of the evolutionary time scale, the stationary state of the system remains unchanged. However, the structure of the transition matrix changes, which leads to new links in the hypercycle system: in addition to the initial links, we obtain a reverse cycle, autocatalysis, and new links between species. After a certain critical number of changes, the coordinates of the steady state are divided into two parts: one variety dominates, and its frequency converges to one, while the frequencies of the others converge to a minimum value. The latter process is accompanied by a significant increase in the autocatalytic coefficient for the dominant species, contributing to its selfish behavior in the system. According to numerical research, this dominant species is chosen at random and varies depending on the experiment. The final stage of the evolutionary process is the stabilization of the fitness landscape. Here the calculations are highly dependent on the constraints on the steady-state coordinates. This process is similar to the Eigen error catastrophe proposed for quasi species systems. The duration of the evolutionary period before stabilization grows with the increase in the number of resources allowed in the system.