An Elementary Microscopic Model of Sympatric Speciation

TL;DR

This paper introduces an agent-based microscopic model to study sympatric speciation driven by resource competition within the same ecological niche, capturing key features of evolutionary branching.

Contribution

It presents a novel microscopic model that simulates sympatric speciation, incorporating competition, resource distribution, and potential extensions like spatial effects and genetic complexity.

Findings

Model reproduces key features of evolutionary branching

Resource competition influences speciation outcomes

Framework can be extended for more complex biological scenarios

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 resource distribution, the model exhibits some of the main features of evolutionary branching processing. The model can be extended to include spatial effects, different genetic loci, sexual mating and recombination, etc.