Evolution and ecology in high dimensions.

12 October 2018

Daniel Fisher
Department of Applied Physics
Stanford University

Abstract

Can the complexities of possible phenotypes and interactions of organisms with their environments lead to simplicities that enable understanding? Taking advantage of the high-dimensionality of biology and approximate randomness of the net effects of mutations and of small environmental changes, attempts to approach via simple models two basic questions will be outlined. Must evolution in a constant environment continually slow down? Why is there so much coexisting micro-diversity within single bacterial species?

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