Table 1.

Comparison of selected population genetic software: a) The simulation approach taken, either forwards-in-time or backwards-in-time; b) units of the simulation (individuals or populations) for which x/y-coordinates are modeled and whether the resolution is continuous or on a lattice; c) whether selection of abiotic and/or biotic environment for specific phenotypes is allowed; d) the approach taken to model dispersal. See Hoban et al. (2012) for a more comprehensive overview.

	a) backward/forward	b) x/y - coordinates	c) Selection allowed	d) dispersal
Aladyn	forward	For individuals, continuous resolution	yes	Stage dependent dispersal kernel
cdpop	forward	For individuals/populations, on the lattice	yes	Stepping stone with isolation by distance, sex-specific migration rate and influenced by environmental factors
Kernelpop	forward	For individuals, on the lattice	no	Dispersal kernel
Nemo	forward	For populations on the lattice	yes	Stepping stone with isolation by distance, sex-specific migration rate
Pedagog	forward	-	yes	Age and density dependent, sex-specific migration rate
QuantiNemo	forward	For populations on the lattice	yes	Density dependent, stepping stone, sex-specific migration rate
Splatche	Forward and backward	For populations on the lattice	no	Stepping stone model, migration influenced by environmental factors