Entropy and the arrow of time in population dynamics. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Costa-Cabanas, Diogo; Chalub, Fabio A.C.C.; Souza, Max O.
• Is Part Of: Bio systems. Volume 223(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Entropy -- Moran process -- Time-irreversible processes -- Epistasis -- Fundamental symmetries; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; Biologie -- Périodiques; Évolution -- Périodiques; 570
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-2647

Abstract

Abstract: The concept of entropy in statistical physics is related to the existence of irreversible macroscopic processes. In this work, we explore a recently introduced entropy formula for a class of stochastic processes with more than one absorbing state that is extensively used in population genetics models. We will consider the Moran process as a paradigm for this class, and will extend our discussion to other models outside this class. We will also discuss the relation between non-extensive entropies in physics and epistasis (i.e., when the effects of different alleles are not independent) and the role of symmetries in population genetic models. Highlights: We use statistical mechanics techniques to study population dynamics. Biological evolution is modelled by agent interaction (microscopic laws). We are concerned by macroscopic variables (population state). We explore a recently introduced formula for entropy for processes with absorption. We discuss why population dynamics exhibit macroscopic irreversibility.