Temporal mortality-colonization dynamic can influence the coexistence and persistence patterns of cooperators and defectors in an evolutionary game model

In the present report, the coexistence and persistence time patterns of Prisoners' Dilemma game players were explored in 2D spatial grid systems by considering the impacts of the mortality-colonization temporal dynamic specifically. Our results showed that the waiting time for triggering a colonization event could remarkably influence and change the extinction patterns of both cooperators and defectors. Interestingly, a relatively high frequency of stochastic colonization events could promote the persistence of defectors but not cooperators. In contrast, a low frequency of stochastic- or constant-time colonization events could facilitate the persistence of cooperators but not defectors. However, a long waiting time would be detrimental to the survival of both game players and drives them to go extinction in faster rates. At last, it was found that colonization strength played a relatively weak role on influencing the coexistence scenarios of both game players, but should be kept small if the coexistence of game players is needed to maintain. In conclusion, our study provides evidence showing that the temporal trade-off of mortality and colonization activities would influence the evolution of PD game and the persistence of cooperators and defectors