Progress and open problems in evolutionary dynamics

Abstract

Evolution has fascinated quantitative and physical scientists for decades: how can the random process of mutation, recombination, and duplication of genetic information generate the diversity of life? What determines the rate of evolution? Are there quantitative laws that govern and constrain evolution? Is evolution repeatable or predictable? Historically, the study of evolution involved classifying and comparing species, typically based on morphology. In addition to phenotypes on the organismal and molecular scales, we now use whole-genome sequencing to uncover not only the differences between species but also to characterize genetic diversity within-species in unprecedented detail. This diversity can be compared to predictions of quantitative models of evolutionary dynamics. Here, we review key theoretical models of population genetics and evolution along with examples of data from lab evolution experiments, longitudinal sampling of viral populations, microbial communities and the studies of immune repertoires. In all these systems, evolution is shaped by often variable biological and physical environments. While these variable environments can be modeled implicitly in cases such as host-pathogen co-evolution, the dynamic environment, and emerging ecology often cannot be ignored. Integrating dynamics on different scales, both in terms of observation and theoretical models, remains a major challenge towards a better understanding of evolution.