Evolutionary Game Theory

Frequency-dependent selection and evolutionarily stable strategies

Evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS): a strategy that, when adopted by most of the population, cannot be invaded by a rare mutant. ESS ≠ Nash equilibrium: ESS requires stability to invasion. Replicator dynamics: dp/dt = p(1−p)[f(A) − f(B)], where fitness depends on current frequencies. A pure ESS exists when a single strategy dominates; mixed ESS when both persist.