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The coalescent process in models with selection, recombination and geographic subdivision
N Kaplan1, R R Hudson, M Iizuka
1National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709.
Genetical Research
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Geographic subdivision impacts genetic variation, even with high migration rates, when balancing selection is strong. This population genetics model better explains Drosophila melanogaster alcohol dehydrogenase data than models without subdivision.
Area of Science:
- Population genetics
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular evolution
Background:
- Balancing selection maintains genetic diversity at a locus.
- Neutral mutations occur at many linked loci.
- Geographic subdivision and migration influence population genetic structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze a population genetic model with balancing selection and linked neutral loci.
- To incorporate geographic subdivision, migration, mutation, recombination, and genetic drift.
- To assess the impact of subdivision on genetic variation.
Main Methods:
- Coalescent approach for population genetic modeling.
- Analysis of a single locus with balancing selection.
- Inclusion of multiple linked neutral loci with mutation and recombination.
Main Results:
- Geographic subdivision can significantly affect genetic variation.
- This effect persists even with high migration rates under strong balancing selection.
- Published Drosophila melanogaster alcohol dehydrogenase data fit the subdivided model better.
Conclusions:
- Geographic subdivision is a crucial factor in population genetic models.
- Balancing selection can maintain distinct allele frequencies across subdivided populations.
- The model provides a better fit for empirical data, highlighting the importance of spatial structure.