Feb 27, 2013

Jessica Hearns

University of Central Florida, Department of Mathematics

10:00 am in MSB 318

A primer on evolutionary game theory with mathematical perspectives and ecological examples

Evolutionary stable strategies (ESS) play a key role in understanding the long term persistence of many traits. ESS is in turn a key part of the larger f ield of evolutionary game theory. Here I present basic concepts in evolutionary game theory with classic ecological examples. I will then introduce a uni que model based on the parasitic gamasine mite Myrmonyssus phalaenodectes. This species has the unusual behavior of unilaterally infesting the ear canals of their host species. The model investigates when this infestation may be an evolutionary stable strategy. Preliminary analytic results are presented.