Demes

Demes standardizes the representation of demographic models using a text-based data model to define and exchange population sizes, growth rates, migration patterns, and epochs for population genetic simulation and inference.

Key Features:

• Standardized text file format: A text file format for unambiguous definition and exchange of demographic models.
• Comprehensive model representation: Support for discrete populations with specified sizes, growth rates, migration patterns, and multiple epochs.
• Model translation: Explicitly supports translating published demographic model descriptions into inputs for population genetic simulators.
• Language-specific parsers: Parsers implemented in multiple programming languages such as Python and C to consume the Demes format.

Scientific Applications:

• Simulation of demographic scenarios: Representing demographic histories as simulator-ready models for forward and coalescent simulations.
• Testing demographic hypotheses: Encoding complex demographic hypotheses for simulation-based hypothesis testing.
• Inference of historical population dynamics: Providing standardized model definitions for use with inference methods that require explicit demographic models.

Methodology:

Demes defines a text file format and provides parsers implemented in multiple programming languages such as Python and C to produce representations that integrate with population genetic simulators and inference methods.