PLACE:

SPEAKER:
Anthony Edwards
Cambridge University

TITLE:
Fisher Information and the Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection

ABSTRACT:

The concept of information as a measurable quantity in statistics was introduced by R.A. Fisher in 1925. Then in 1930 he included in his book The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection a 'fundamental theorem' based on the following original theorem: In a subdivided population the rate of change in the overall growth rate is proportional to the variance in growth rates.

From time to time Fisher drew cautious comparisons between both ideas and the concept of entropy. Fascination with concepts from physics such as entropy has sometimes led others to try to forge a greater connection between Fisher information and the fundamental theorem than he himself saw. We shall explore both ideas and the extent of their relatedness.
 
 

COFFEE: 3:45 p.m., 104 Snedecor Hall