ForwSim

ForwSim performs exact forward-time simulations of finite populations under the Wright-Fisher model to study allele frequency dynamics, genetic drift, selection, recombination, and to validate ancestral recombination graph approximations.

Key Features:

• Exact Forward-Time Simulation: ForwSim executes precise forward-in-time simulations of finite populations yielding exact realizations under the Wright-Fisher model.
• Wright-Fisher Model Implementation: The implementation explicitly models allele frequency changes driven by genetic drift and selection within the Wright-Fisher framework.
• Validation of Ancestral Recombination Graphs: The software is used to validate ancestral recombination graph approximations by direct comparison to exact Wright-Fisher simulations.

Scientific Applications:

• Modeling Complete Outcrossing Populations: ForwSim models populations with complete outcrossing to assess when the ancestral recombination graph provides an accurate approximation.
• Exploring Self-Fertilization Dynamics: The tool investigates populations with self-fertilization to identify parameter combinations of selfing and recombination that affect the accuracy of recombination graph approximations.

Methodology:

Implements an exact forward-time Wright-Fisher simulation algorithm for finite populations that captures genetic drift, selection, and recombination and enables direct comparison to ancestral recombination graph approximations.