Deep Time: Selection, Mutation and the Tree of Life |…

What Deep Time Is

Deep Time is a simulation that models the process of evolution through time. It allows users to observe how populations of virtual organisms adapt and change under various environmental pressures, mirroring real-world evolutionary processes.

The simulation uses principles from population genetics and ecology to create an environment where heritable traits can be passed down through generations, leading to observable changes in the population over time.

Key Concepts: Selection and Mutation

In Deep Time, selection refers to the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their ability to confer survival and reproductive advantages. This is governed by the breeder's equation, which quantifies how much of an organism’s variance can be attributed to genetic differences.

Mutation introduces new genetic variations into the population, providing raw material for natural selection. These mutations can lead to new traits that may or may not provide a competitive advantage in the current environment.

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Speciation and Extinction

Speciation occurs when populations of organisms become reproductively isolated from one another, leading to the formation of distinct species. In Deep Time, this can happen through geographical barriers or other mechanisms that prevent interbreeding between groups.

Extinction is a natural part of evolution and can be triggered by environmental crises such as climate change or resource depletion. These events can lead to the loss of entire populations or even species, illustrating the dynamic nature of life on Earth.

The Hardy-Weinberg Principle

The Hardy-Weinberg principle is a fundamental concept in population genetics that describes how allele frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences. In Deep Time, this principle serves as a baseline against which natural selection and other evolutionary forces can be measured.

By comparing observed changes in allele frequencies with those predicted by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, users can gain insights into the strength and direction of selective pressures acting on the population.

Frequently asked questions

How does Deep Time simulate natural selection?

Deep Time simulates natural selection by allowing organisms with certain traits to survive and reproduce more successfully in their environment, passing those advantageous traits onto future generations. This process is driven by the breeder's equation and can be observed as changes in population characteristics over time.

What role does mutation play in Deep Time?

Mutation introduces new genetic variations into the population, creating a pool of potential adaptations that natural selection can act upon. In Deep Time, mutations are randomly introduced and can lead to novel traits that may give organisms an advantage or disadvantage depending on their environment.

How does speciation occur in Deep Time?

Speciation in Deep Time occurs when populations become reproductively isolated from one another due to geographical barriers, changes in habitat, or other factors. This isolation prevents gene flow between the groups, leading to divergence and eventually the formation of new species.

Why is Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium important in Deep Time?

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium provides a theoretical baseline for understanding genetic variation in populations. In Deep Time, it helps users identify deviations from this equilibrium caused by natural selection and other evolutionary forces, offering insights into the dynamics of population change.

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Deep Time: Selection, Mutation and the Tree of Life and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.

▶ Open Deep Time: Selection, Mutation and the Tree of Life simulation