Springer LINK: The European Physical Journal B - Abstract Volume 4 Issue 4 (1998) pp 529-531

The European Physical Journal B

ISSN: 1434-6028 (printed version)
ISSN: 1434-6036 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 4 Issue 4 (1998) pp 529-531

Competing species dynamics: Qualitative advantage versus geography

S. Galam (1) (a), B. Chopard (2), A. Masselot (2), M. Droz (3)

(1) Laboratoire des Milieux Désordonnés et Hétérogènes (Laboratoire associé au CNRS (UMR no 800) et à l'Université P. et M. Curie, Paris 6.), Tour 13 - Case 86, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
(2) Département d'Informatique, University of Geneva, 24 rue Général-Dufour, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland
(3) Département de Physique Théorique, University of Geneva, 24 quai Ernest-Ansermet, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland

Received: 21 April 1998 / Revised and Accepted: 22 April 1998

Abstract: A simple cellular automata model for a two-group war over the same "territory" is presented. It is shown that a qualitative advantage is not enough for a minority to win. A spatial organization as well a definite degree of aggressiveness are instrumental to overcome a less fitted majority. The model applies to a large spectrum of competing groups: smoker-non smoker war, epidemic spreading, opinion formation, competition for industrial standards and species evolution. In the last case, it provides a new explanation for punctuated equilibria.

PACS. 01.75.+m Science and society - 05.50.+q Lattice theory and statistics; Ising problems - 89.90.+n Other areas of general interest to physicists

(a) email: galam@ccr.jussieu.fr

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