Abstract
We study evolution driven by spatial heterogeneity in a stochastic model of source-sink ecologies. A sink is a habitat where mortality exceeds reproduction so that a local population persists only due to immigration from a source. Immigrants can, however, adapt to conditions in the sink by mutation. To characterize the adaptation rate, we derive expressions for the first arrival time of adapted mutants. The joint effects of migration, mutation, birth, and death result in two distinct parameter regimes. These results may pertain to the rapid evolution of drug-resistant pathogens and insects.
- Received 21 September 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.248104
© 2010 The American Physical Society
Synopsis
Adapting to habitat
Published 8 December 2010
Spatial variations can drive evolution in certain ecological habitats.
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