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Selectionism and neutralism in molecular evolution.

Masatoshi Nei1

  • 1Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Evolutionary Genetics, , Pennsylvania State University, USA. nxm2@psu.edu

Molecular Biology and Evolution
|August 27, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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Evolutionary debates between selectionism and neutralism persist. Redefining neutral mutations and understanding gene family interactions are key to resolving these controversies and explaining phenotypic evolution driven by mutation.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Molecular evolution
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The theory of evolution by natural selection has faced historical challenges from mutationism and neutralism.
  • Early molecular data suggested neutral or near-neutral amino acid substitutions, fueling the selectionism vs. neutralism debate.
  • Kimura's strict definition of neutrality contributed to the controversy, but a broader definition can reconcile differing views.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the controversy between selectionism and neutralism in molecular evolution.
  • To explore the role of gene duplication and gene family interactions in phenotypic evolution.
  • To clarify the driving forces of evolution at both genic and phenotypic levels.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of nucleotide substitution rates (nonsynonymous to synonymous ratios).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Review of evidence for gene family evolution (concerted evolution vs. birth-and-death process).
  • Conceptual integration of molecular and phenotypic evolution mechanisms.

    • Main Results:

    • A broader definition of neutral mutations resolves many selectionism vs. neutralism controversies.
    • Multigene families predominantly evolve via a birth-and-death process, not concerted evolution.
    • Phenotypic evolution results from gene family interactions, influenced by random gene duplication and environmental factors.

    Conclusions:

    • Mutation, including gene duplication, is the primary driver of evolution at both molecular and phenotypic levels.
    • Understanding gene family interactions is crucial for comprehending phenotypic evolution.
    • Reconciling debates in evolutionary theory requires refined definitions and consideration of multiple evolutionary processes.