A formulation of the foundations of genetics and evolution

Math Biosci. 2016 May:275:25-38. doi: 10.1016/j.mbs.2016.02.005. Epub 2016 Mar 3.

Abstract

This paper proposes a formulation of theories of the foundations of genetics and evolution that can be used to mathematically simulate phenotype expression, reproduction, mutation, and natural selection. It will be shown that Mendelian inheritance can be mathematically simulated with expressions involving matrices and that these expressions can also simulate phenomena that are modifications to Mendel's basic principles, like alleles that give rise to quantitative effects and traits that are the expression of multiple alleles and/or multiple genetic loci.

Keywords: Evolution; Genetics; Mathematical formulation; Mathematical simulation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Epistasis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Genetics, Population
  • Male
  • Mathematical Concepts
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Reproduction
  • Selection, Genetic