Behavior of different numerical schemes for random genetic drift

In the problem of random genetic drift, the probability density of one gene is governed by a degenerated convection-dominated diffusion equation. Dirac singularities will always be developed at boundary points as time evolves, which is known as the fixation phenomenon in genetic evolution. Three finite volume methods: FVM1-3, one central difference method: FDM1 and three finite element methods: FEM1-3 are considered. These methods lead to different equilibrium states after a long time. It is shown that only schemes FVM3 and FEM3, which are the same, preserve probability, expectation and positiveness and predict the correct probability of fixation. FVM1-2 wrongly predict the probability of fixation due to their intrinsic viscosity, even though they are unconditionally stable. Contrarily, FDM1 and FEM1-2 introduce different anti-diffusion terms, which make them unstable and fail to preserve positiveness.

Duke Scholars

Author Shixin Xu DKU Faculty