• This page contains a spatially explicit, individual-based evolution simulation developed by Suzanne Sadedin at Monash University . The Java interface was written by Edgar A. Duéñez Guzmán at the University of Tennessee.

What is Genespace?

• Genespace was developed to examine interactions between sexual selection, ecological selection, and environmental heterogeneity in two-dimensional landscapes. If you are interested in sexual selection, hybrid zone evolution or parapatric speciation, you are welcome to download the simulation and explore its behavior. The model provided here is designed to represent some common scenarios seen in nature using standard assumptions. However, because these assumptions are embodied in finite populations with explicit genetics and spatial interactions, its predictions often differ qualitatively from those of more abstract models. All parameters in the model can be user-configured.
• Features of Genespace include
  • up to sixteen traits
  • configurable costs to displays and preferences
  • up to 24 additive diallelic loci governing each trait
  • multiple forms of mate choice
  • automatic calculations of genetic divergence at microsatellite loci between populations (FST)
  • patchy and complex environments
  • configurable fitness functions
  • multiple habitat types
  • hybrid zones
• The model can be adapted to represent a wide range of spatial, ecological, behavioral and genetic data. If you would like a version tailored to a particular biological system, please contact me

Model Description

• Read about Genespace and how it works here

Using Genespace

• Download the simulation here and save it to your hard drive.
• Genespace runs in Windows or Wine on Linux (tested with version 1.1.11) and requires a screen resolution of 1024x768.
• Unzip the file genespace.zip.
• Open the Genespace folder and double-click on the shortcut genespace.jar
• You should see a window with sliders. Move these sliders to change simulation parameters. These parameters are explained here
• Click on the button marked "Run" to start the simulation. To restore default parameter values, click the button marked "Defaults"
• You should see a window with a graphical display which shows the spatial distribution of mean phenotypes on the left, and global frequency distributions on the right.
• Press "v" to view a different set of traits, "r" to restart the simulation, or click to exit.

Disclaimer

• I am not aware of any way in which Genespace might damage your computer, interfere with other software, cause your family to be kidnapped by mutant ungulate revolutionaries, or otherwise harm anyone. However, that doesn't mean it won't, so use this software at your own risk.