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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
14:23
Recombineering Homologous Recombination Constructs in Drosophila
Published on: July 13, 2013
Why are sex and recombination so common?
Lilach Hadany1, Josep M Comeron
1Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. lilach-hadany@uiowa.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 19, 2008
Summary
The evolution of sex and recombination remains a puzzle. Recent models incorporating realistic factors like finite populations and genome-wide selection better explain how sex and recombination can persist.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Theoretical biology
Background:
- The persistence of sexual reproduction and genetic recombination is a long-standing enigma in evolutionary theory.
- Traditional models often restrict the conditions under which sex and recombination can evolve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major models and evidence for the evolution of sex and recombination.
- To highlight recent theoretical approaches that expand the parameter range for their evolution.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing theoretical models in evolutionary biology.
- Analysis of recent research incorporating more realistic assumptions.
Main Results:
- Most models show sex and recombination evolve only under limited parameters.
- Recent approaches with finite populations, long-genome selection, and recombination plasticity broaden evolutionary explanations.
Conclusions:
- Realistic assumptions are crucial for understanding the evolution of sex and recombination.
- The study clarifies similarities and differences between the evolutionary drivers of sex and recombination.
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