Testing f ( R ) -gravity models with DESI DR2 2025-BAO and other cosmological data

Abstract

Motivated by the new BAO data and the significant results recently published by the DESI DR2Collaboration, this study presents a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis of all currentlyviable f(R) models using this new dataset, and compares its constraining power with that of previousBAO compilations. A corresponding Bayesian model comparison is then carried out. The resultsreveal, for the first time, very strong statistical evidence in favor of f(R) models over the standardΛCDM scenario. The analysis also incorporates data from cosmic chronometers and the latestPantheon++SH0ES supernovae compilation.