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Rapid parasite adaptation drives selection for high recombination rates
Marcel Salathé1, Roger D Kouyos, Roland R Regoes
1Theoretical Biology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, ETH-Zentrum CHN, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland. marcel.salathe@env.ethz.ch
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|November 28, 2007
Summary
The Red Queen hypothesis explains sex through parasite-driven evolution. This study shows that host-imposed parasite costs, not just virulence, can drive selection for high host recombination rates, resolving previous conflicts.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Parasitology
Background:
- The Red Queen hypothesis posits that sexual reproduction persists due to coevolving parasites.
- Previous models suggested sex and high recombination rates are disfavored unless parasite selection is intense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Red Queen hypothesis under host-imposed parasite fitness costs.
- To determine if high recombination rates can evolve even with low parasite virulence.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of host-parasite coevolution.
- Analysis of selection pressures on host recombination rates.
Main Results:
- Host-imposed severe fitness costs for unsuccessful parasites can drive selection for high recombination rates.
- The virulence of parasites is largely irrelevant to the direction of selection for increased recombination.
Conclusions:
- Host-imposed selection on parasites is a key factor favoring sex and high recombination rates.
- Findings resolve conflicting results in Red Queen hypothesis research regarding virulence and recombination.
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