Evolution with Changing Mutation Rates

Abstract:     
This article considers the robustness of long run equilibria when mutation rates are not assumed to be constant over time. Particular attention is paid to the case where mutation rates decline to zero in the limit. It is found that if behaviour is ergodic, then it corresponds to the long run equilibrium for the game. However, conditions for ergodicity become increasingly restrictive as population size increases.

Keywords: Evolution, Long run equilibria, Mutation rates, Ergodic, Population size

JEL Classification: C70, D80, C73

Accepted Paper Series