This is a simple population genetics simulations showing evolution of two alleles at a single locus. The program starts with a dialog box where you can type in parameters such as the size of the starting population, the initial percentage of each allele, the selective fitness of each allele combination , the mutation rates between alleles, and various types of migration between populations (up to eight populations can be run simultaneously).You then run the model with these parameters and the resulting frequency of one allele is shown in a graph over time.

Simul8 is simple and straightforward to use, if rather limited. There are only a few menu commands, one to run a simulation, another to continue running it, and a third to start a new simulation. The parameters are all contained on one screen and are mostly self-explanatory if you know the subject. Your students will need to know some population genetics before sitting down with this program, though, as there is no help onscreen and the manual is very short and does not provide any sort of tutorial. This program should be useful for students to play with two allele models and see how changing different parameters changes the outcome. You might also look at Evolve, which has similar goals but is a little more extensive.

Computer: Windows, Macintosh, Unix

Source: http://evolution.genetics.washington.edu/pub/popgen/simul8.html

Cost: Free

Last update 6th of February 2000