EvolGenius follows the fate of alleles at two genes in a population of constant size. Users can set the linkage map distance between the two genes, as well as the mutation rates for each gene. Users can also set the relative fitnesses for all nine possible genotypes, and they can set relative mating preferences based on genotype. The program also allows for immigration from a population with pre-determined genotype frequencies. In addition to tracking allele frequencies, the program can also determine when every gene copy descends from a single ancestral copy -- i.e., it allows for consideration of drift/coalescence and effective population size. Final haplotype and genotype frequencies are reported for analysis of linkage disequilibrium (optional).
EvolGenius allows the user to perform a large number of iterations of the simulation using the same program settings. A single output file can then be imported into a spreadsheet program for further statistical analysis.
An overview of the inner workings of EvolGenius can be found on Scitable, the Nature Publshing Group's online educational resource. Click here to read the article, which also provides advice on using the program.
The zipped download file contains the executable program (EvolGenius version 5.1), an HTML-based manual, and a nifty icon.
I recommend placing all of the unzipped files into a single folder, and then setting up a desktop folder with shortcuts to two files: EvolGenius5.1.exe and evolgen.htm. The nifty icon can be applied to the program's shortcut by editing the program properties.
Update Notice/Bug Fix (February 29, 2004)
Those using EvolGenius4.5.exe should update to the latest version. Version 4.5 has a bug that affects simulations involving migration. This bug is fixed in versions 4.6 and later.