Game-Theoretical Models in Biology

Game-Theoretical Models in Biology, Second Edition is a comprehensive textbook that covers evolutionary game theory, providing abstract and practical mathematical models of real biological situations. It discusses matrix games, replicator dynamics, the hawk-dove game, and the prisoners dilemma, and illustrates how to use Python to solve various games. The book explains important biological phenomena such as the sex ratio of species, the evolution of cooperative behavior, and the existence of adornments using ideas underpinned by game theoretical modelling. It has been thoroughly revised and includes three new chapters on the evolution of structured populations, biological signalling games, and evolutionary models of cancer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 598 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The second edition of Game-Theoretical Models in Biology presents a comprehensive exploration of evolutionary game theory, encompassing a wide range of major topics. This book offers both abstract and practical mathematical models that capture the essence of real biological situations, making it appealing to both mathematicians and biologists.

The authors delve into the static aspects of game theory in a mathematically rigorous manner, providing a solid foundation for those interested in mathematical analysis. Additionally, they explore numerous applications of game theory to biology, making the text invaluable to biologists seeking to understand the complexities of biological systems.

The book covers a diverse array of topics within evolutionary games, including matrix games, replicator dynamics, the hawk-dove game, and the prisoners dilemma. It delves into the concept of the evolutionarily stable strategy, a fundamental concept in biological games, and presents detailed mathematical models to illustrate its workings. Each chapter includes practical examples using Python to solve various games, making the content accessible to readers with a background in mathematics.

Game-Theoretical Models in Biology has played a significant role in explaining important biological phenomena. By employing ideas rooted in game theoretical modelling, the book has shed light on phenomena such as the sex ratio of many species approaching a half, the evolution of cooperative behaviour, and the existence of adornments like the peacocks tail. This book serves as a valuable resource for readers studying and working at the intersection of mathematics and the life sciences, demonstrating how evolutionary game theory is employed to model these diverse biological phenomena.

In this thoroughly revised new edition, the authors have expanded the coverage by introducing three new chapters on the evolution of structured populations, biological signalling games, and a topical new chapter on evolutionary models of cancer. Additionally, new sections have been added to address games with time constraints, extortion strategies in the Iterated Prisoners Dilemma, social dilemmas, and evolutionary models of vaccination, a timely topic given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, Game-Theoretical Models in Biology, Second Edition is an essential resource for anyone interested in evolutionary game theory, biology, and mathematical modelling. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the field, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of biological systems.

Weight: 1306g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367456689
Edition number: 2 ed