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Related Concept Videos

Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.
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Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.The Theory of Natural...
Limits to Natural Selection01:38

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Evolution in a changing environment: a case study with great tit fledging mass.

Dany Garant1, Loeske E B Kruuk, Robin H McCleery

  • 1Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, United Kingdom. dany.garant@zoology.oxford.ac.uk

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Summary

Evolutionary adaptation can be masked by environmental changes. Despite consistent selection for larger body mass in great tits (Parus major), phenotypic values declined, while genetic values increased, revealing environmental influences on evolutionary trajectories.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Quantitative genetics
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Heritable traits under directional selection often don't evolve as predicted.
  • Changing environmental conditions may obscure true evolutionary responses.
  • The interplay between selection, genetics, and environment is crucial for understanding evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary response of great tit body mass to selection.
  • To determine if environmental changes can mask evolutionary trajectories.
  • To reconcile discrepancies between phenotypic and genetic responses to selection.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a 36-year long-term dataset of great tits (Parus major).
  • Applied an "animal model" analysis to assess heritability and selection.
  • Analyzed body mass at fledging as a key morphological trait.

Main Results:

  • Body mass at fledging was found to be significantly heritable.
  • Consistent positive directional selection was observed for both phenotypic and genetic components of body mass.
  • The population's mean phenotypic body mass declined, while the mean breeding value increased, indicating a divergence in evolutionary response.
  • Environmental changes, including increased spring temperatures and population density, explained this divergence.

Conclusions:

  • Phenotypic measurements alone may not accurately reflect evolutionary trajectories.
  • Environmental fluctuations can mask or alter the observable evolutionary response of populations.
  • Understanding environmental change is essential for interpreting patterns of phenotypic evolution in natural populations.