Evolutionary Games and Population Dynamics

Description

Every form of behavior is shaped by trial and error. Such stepwise adaptation can occur through individual learning or through natural selection, the basis of evolution. Since the work of Maynard Smith and others, it has been realized how game theory can model this process. Evolutionary game theory replaces the static solutions of classical game theory by a dynamical approach centered not on the concept of rational players but on the population dynamics of behavioral programs. In this book the authors investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the self-regulation of social and economic behavior, and of the closely related interactions among species in ecological communities. Replicator equations describe how successful strategies spread and thereby create new conditions that can alter the basis of their success, i.e., to enable us to understand the strategic and genetic foundations of the endless chronicle of invasions and extinctions that punctuate evolution. In short, evolutionary game theory describes when to escalate a conflict, how to elicit cooperation, why to expect a balance of the sexes, and how to understand natural selection in mathematical terms.

'... as a mathematical text on an important set of topics in theoretical biology, the book is superb. It is well organised and beautifully written. In choosing from the rich menu of mathematical topics broadly relevant to ecology, behaviour, evolution, and even theoretical immunology, it shows good taste.' The Times Higher Education Supplement '... [has] something for anyone interested in game models in organismal biology.' Marc Mangel, Nature 'The book is a must for any mathematician economist, or biologist working in Evolutionary Game Theory.' C. Alos-Ferrer, International Mathematical News 'This book can highly be recommended to mathematicians interested in applications in social sciences, biology, and population genetics.' Ethology '... an excellent publication that helps to bridge one of the gaps between biologists and mathematicians.' David Boukai, Folia Geobotanica