Evolutionary Game Theory, Natural Selection, and Darwinian Dynamics

Thomas L Vincent author Joel S Brown author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:16th Aug '12

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Evolutionary Game Theory, Natural Selection, and Darwinian Dynamics cover

First published in 2005, this book investigates many topics in natural selection within the context of Darwinian dynamics and evolutionary game theory.

In this 2005 book, many topics in natural selection are investigated including co-evolution, speciation, and extinction. It may be described as a book on mathematical Darwinism. Darwin used logical verbal arguments to understand evolution. These arguments are presented here in a mathematical setting useful for both understanding evolution and allowing for prediction as well.All of life is a game, and evolution by natural selection is no exception. The evolutionary game theory developed in this 2005 book provides the tools necessary for understanding many of nature's mysteries, including co-evolution, speciation, extinction and the major biological questions regarding fit of form and function, diversity, procession, and the distribution and abundance of life. Mathematics for the evolutionary game are developed based on Darwin's postulates leading to the concept of a fitness generating function (G-function). G-function is a tool that simplifies notation and plays an important role developing Darwinian dynamics that drive natural selection. Natural selection may result in special outcomes such as the evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS). An ESS maximum principle is formulated and its graphical representation as an adaptive landscape illuminates concepts such as adaptation, Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection, and the nature of life's evolutionary game.

Review of the hardback: 'It's complicated, but it's where biology is at, and Vincent and Brown clarify the issues wonderfully.' Biologist
Review of the hardback: '… even-handedness, together with its peerless reasoning, helps this book stand out in a crowded field … masterly book. … time and again, Shanahan convinces us that Darwin's approach was relentlessly reconciliatory, pluralistic, and non dogmatic … Because it is equally ardent and articulate, Shanahan's own relentlessly moderate voice is likely to survive the fashionable Sturn und Drang.' Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
Review of the hardback: '… provides a formal game-theoretic framework for addressing an impressive array of biological questions.' Journal of Mammalian Evolution
Review of the hardback: 'The book is written in an enthusiastic style. In several places you can still perceive the excitement the authors must have felt when they embarked on their work in evolutionary dynamics … a must-read for those interested in the history of evolutionary game theory …' www.PalArch.nl

ISBN: 9781107406513

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 21mm

Weight: 540g

402 pages