Evolution of population with sexual and asexual reproduction in changing environment

TL;DR

This study uses Monte Carlo simulations to compare how sexual and asexual reproduction affect population adaptation in changing environments, highlighting the advantages of sexual reproduction for diversity and adaptation.

Contribution

It introduces a lattice Monte Carlo model to analyze the impact of reproduction modes on population survival under environmental change.

Findings

Sexual reproduction enhances population diversity and adaptation.

High birth rates improve mating success in sexual populations.

Asexual reproduction is favored under low birth rate and high mutation conditions.

Abstract

Using a lattice model based on Monte Carlo simulations, we study the role of the reproduction pattern on the fate of an evolving population. Each individual is under the selection pressure from the environment and random mutations. The habitat ("climate") is changing periodically. Evolutions of populations following two reproduction patterns are compared, asexual and sexual. We show, via Monte Carlo simulations, that sexual reproduction by keeping more diversified populations gives them better chances to adapt themselves to the changing environment. However, in order to obtain a greater chance to mate, the birth rate should be high. In the case of low birth rate and high mutation probability there is a preference for the asexual reproduction.