Simulator005

Simulator005 investigates Muller's ratchet in a single asexual population to determine rates of mutation accumulation for many different potentially realistic situations.

The constant onslaught of slightly harmful DNA changes may be a significant cause of extinction of species on the long term. This simulator helps to uncover the true extent of the problem in asexual genomes. The results have implications for all non-recombining genomes such as mitochondrial DNA in humans or other organisms. They further deepen our understanding of the importance of sex (= regular recombination of genetic material) for the long term survival of organisms. Thus, in a broader sense, the results computed by this simulator help understand more about the origins and evolution of life on our wonderful planet earth.
 

You can read more about the principle of Muller's ratchet and about the various properties of organisms that might affect the speed of Muller's ratchet.

To get started, follow these quick instructions for computing.

If you are interested in the published results from this simulator, please find them under http://evolutionary-research.net/science/evoho.