Game Theory, Evolution and Ecology

Credits: 3

Course Description: Fundamental concepts of evolutionary game theory and their application in biology. Topics include: the strategy and payoff matrix, the game tree, strategic and extensive form games, symmetric games, Nash equilibria. Evolutionary game theory concepts are discussed for two-strategy games (Prisoner's Dilemma, Hawk-Dove) and three-strategy games (Rock-Scissors-Paper). Biological examples are studied, such as blood sharing in vampire bats, competition in bacteria, or the evolution of altruistic punishment.

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Frequency:

Current Textbook: Check with your instructor to make sure this is the textbook used for your section.

The order of presentation of the contents of this syllabus, exams, and grading policies are entirely at the discretion of the individual instructor.