Island A Simple Forward Simulation Tool for Population Genetics.

Citation: Ling, MHT. 2019. Island: A Simple Forward Simulation Tool for Population Genetics. Acta Scientific Computer Sciences 1(2): 20-22.

Link to [PDF].

Here is the permanent [PDF] link to my archive.

Changes in population genetic structure can be a result of genetic drift and/or selective pressure, which may result in changes in adaptability of the population. Computer simulations are commonly used to gain insights into the genetic fate of evolving populations. However, most simulation tools in this area require a firm understanding of the mathematical models of genetic drift but low-cost, hands-on tools are the key to make abstract concepts, such as genetic drift, more intuitive. Here, Island is presented as simple forward simulation tool for population genetics based on Mendelian inheritance where a population is generated from a comma-delimited file containing allelic frequencies. Forward simulations start from an initial population and track its evolution over multiple generations. The population is simulated over generations where each generation results in a population file, which can then be examined independently to observe changes in allelic frequencies over generations.