Diversion

Population Simulation Software

 

 

Diversion is a program written in XBasic created to simulate populations.  The basic purpose for its creation was to evaluate possible correlation between microsatellite allele frequencies and phenotypes in Galápagos marine iguanas (see Dissertation or research overview).  It was used to test the impact of regular periodic population fluctuations (caused by El Niño events) on possible linkage or association of microsatellite allele frequencies with phenotypes.

For a screen shot click here.

The program contains many variables to alter and may be useful for other people's purposes.  For that reason it is posted here.  It may be downloaded and used freely.  Any alterations or changes desired can be made, however, nothing may ever be charged for it or any subsequent software derived from it.

Examples of variables that can be changed are: reproductive rates at differing ages, death rates at differing ages, initial offspring sex ratios, total number of microsatellite alleles to keep track of, total phenotypes to compute, method of computing phenotype in offspring, mutation rates, periodic population crashes along with their severity, directed or selected optimal phenotype values, frequency to save total population data, . . .

Visual observation (through moving bar charts) of changes in microsatellite and phenotype frequencies can be made (and/or saved for later examination).  Population content parameters may also be viewed or monitored visually on plots (that can also be saved or viewed later).  Specific initial population data may be loaded in for use as well as having an initial population created randomly based upon specified parameters.

Possibly one of the most useful conveniences is that population output can be saved in Arlequin 2.000 format for direct use in statistical analyses.

Going over and checking the documentation is probably the best way to determine any possible value the software might have to you.  Two versions are available: 1) Microsoft Word (.doc) & 2) Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

The total package including XBasic source, compiled and running version for Windows, documentation, and example files is available as well.

 

Other useful links:

 

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