Variable mutation rates as an adaptive strategy in replicator populations.

Abstract excerpt

For evolving populations of replicators, there is much evidence that the effect of mutations on fitness depends on the degree of adaptation to the selective pressures at play. In optimized populations, most mutations have deleterious effects, such that low mutation rates are favoured. In contrast to this, in populations thriving in changing environments a larger fraction of mutations have beneficial effects,...

Topics

• Adaptation, Physiological
• Algorithms
• Biological Evolution
• Models, Theoretical
• Mutation
• Reproduction, Asexual