Path analyses of selection.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Quantitative Genetics

Background:

• Identifying targets and causal mechanisms of phenotypic selection is a key challenge in evolutionary biology.
• Statistical modeling can help address this challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe path models relevant to selection analysis.
• To review empirical applications of path models in evolutionary studies.
• To highlight the utility of path analysis in understanding phenotypic selection.

Main Methods:

• Description of various path model types for selection analysis.
• Review of empirical studies applying path models to pollination biology, phenotypic integration, and trait selection.
• Discussion of path analysis as an exploratory and evaluative tool.

Main Results:

• Path analysis can suggest potential targets of selection for experimental testing.
• Path analysis helps evaluate the relative importance of different causal pathways in selection.
• Empirical studies demonstrate the application of path models across diverse biological systems.

Conclusions:

• Path analysis is a valuable statistical tool for investigating phenotypic selection in natural populations.
• It serves dual roles: exploratory for identifying selection targets and evaluative for understanding selection mechanisms.
• This approach enhances our understanding of evolutionary processes driven by selection.