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Wright's shifting balance theory: an experimental study.

M J Wade1, C J Goodnight

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, IL 60637.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 30, 1991
PubMed
Summary

This study experimentally confirms Wright's shifting balance theory of evolution using flour beetles. Interdemic selection, a key component, significantly increased population fitness, supporting adaptive evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Population Genetics

Background:

  • Wright's shifting balance theory is a cornerstone of adaptive evolution.
  • Direct empirical evidence and the efficacy of interdemic selection remain controversial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide experimental confirmation of Wright's shifting balance theory.
  • To investigate the role and effectiveness of interdemic selection in adaptive evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Imposed interdemic selection on Tribolium castaneum laboratory populations.
  • Differential dispersion of individuals from high-fitness to low-fitness demes.
  • Compared experimental arrays to control populations with random migration.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in average population fitness in experimental arrays.
  • Optimal response observed with interdemic selection every two generations.
  • Gene interactions are suggested to be involved in the observed fitness increase.

Conclusions:

  • The interdemic phase of shifting balance theory can enhance average fitness.
  • Experimental evidence supports the adaptive potential of interdemic selection.
  • Further research into gene interactions underlying this process is warranted.

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