Selection and segregation distortion in a sex-differentiated population

Area of Science:

• Population genetics
• Evolutionary biology
• Quantitative genetics

Background:

• Classical models of selection often simplify population structures.
• Sex-differentiated populations introduce complexities in genetic inheritance and stability.
• Segregation distortion can significantly impact allele frequency dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the classical autosomal selection model to include segregation distortion in sex-differentiated populations.
• To analyze the conditions for internal and external stability of genetic equilibria under these new conditions.
• To compare genetic stability in populations with and without sex differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Mathematical modeling of selection and segregation distortion at an autosomal locus.
• Derivation of conditions for internal and external stability of population genetic equilibria.
• Application of Shaw-Mohler criteria for assessing external stability in sex-differentiated populations.

Main Results:

• Fitness parameters are reinterpreted for alleles rather than genotypes in the extended model.
• External stability criteria are established for sex-differentiated populations.
• Internal stability is found to be more challenging to achieve in non-sex-differentiated populations.

Conclusions:

• Segregation distortion and sex differentiation interact to influence genetic stability.
• The findings provide a framework for understanding specific genetic systems, like the t complex in mice.
• The study highlights the importance of considering population structure in evolutionary genetic models.