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The evolution of genetic architecture under frequency-dependent disruptive selection
Michael Kopp1, Joachim Hermisson
1Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Grosshadernerstrasse 2, 82152 Martinsried, Germany. kopp@zi.biologie.uni-muenchen.de
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|October 5, 2006
Summary
Frequency-dependent disruptive selection drives the evolution of asymmetric genetic architectures. This process concentrates genetic variation in specific loci, potentially leading to discrete polymorphisms.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Quantitative genetics
- Population genetics
Background:
- Quantitative traits are influenced by multiple genes.
- Frequency-dependent disruptive selection occurs when individuals with extreme phenotypes have higher fitness.
- Intraspecific competition is maximal between individuals with similar phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the evolution of genetic architecture under frequency-dependent disruptive selection.
- To investigate how epistatic interactions influence allelic effects.
- To understand the relationship between genetic architecture and ecological niche structure.
Main Methods:
- Developed a mathematical model incorporating stabilizing selection, intraspecific competition, and density-dependent population regulation.
- Utilized a modifier approach for analytical results under weak selection and constant population size.
- Employed numerical simulations to explore the full model dynamics.
Main Results:
- Frequency-dependent disruptive selection promotes the evolution of asymmetric genetic architectures.
- Genetic variation becomes concentrated on a small number of loci.
- The evolved genetic architecture reflects the structure of ecological niches created by competition.
Conclusions:
- Evolution of genetic architecture is a plausible adaptation mechanism for frequency-dependent disruptive selection.
- This evolutionary pathway can lead to discrete polymorphisms.
- It offers an alternative to other evolutionary responses like sexual dimorphism or assortative mating.
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