An Elementary Microscopic Model of Sympatric Speciation.

Abstract

Using as a narrative theme the example of Darwin's finches, a microscopic agent-based model is introduces to study sympatric speciation as a result of competition for resources in the same ecological niche. Varying competition among individuals and resources distribution, the model exhibits some of the main features of evolutionary branching processes. The model can be extended to include spatial effects, different genetic loci, sexual mating and recombination, etc. and is well-suited for teaching the theory of evolution.