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A soluble model of evolution and extinction dynamics in a rugged fitness landscape

Paolo Sibani

physics.bio-pharXiv:physics/9705026

Abstract

We consider a continuum version of a previously introduced and numerically studied model of macroevolution (PRL 75, 2055, (1995)) in which agents evolve by an optimization process in a rugged fitness landscape and die due to their competitive interactions. We first formulate dynamical equations for the fitness distribution and the survival probability. Secondly we analytically derive the t-2 law which characterizes the life time distribution of biological genera. Thirdly we discuss other dynamical properties of the model such as the rate of extinction and conclude with a brief discussion.

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