A calculational framework is proposed for phylogenetics, using nonlocal quantum field theories in hypercubic geometry. Quadratic terms in the Hamiltonian give the underlying Markov dynamics, while higher degree terms represent branching events. The spatial dimension L is the number of leaves of the evolutionary tree under consideration. Momentum conservation modulo ℤ×L 2 in L ← 1 scattering corresponds to tree edge labelling using binary L-vectors. The bilocal quadratic term allows for momentum-dependent rate constants - only the tree or trees compatible with selected nonzero edge rates contribute to the branching probability distribution. Applications to models of evolutionary branching processes are discussed.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Physical Sciences
Research Group:	Other Physical Sciences
Research Field:	Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences
Author:	Jarvis, PD (Dr Peter Jarvis)
Author:	Bashford, JD (Dr James Bashford)
ID Code:	22294
Year Published:	2001
Web of Science® Times Cited:	3
Deposited By:	Physics
Deposited On:	2001-08-01
Last Modified:	2002-06-27
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