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The interaction between selection, demography and selfing and how it affects population viability.

Diala Abu Awad, Diala Abu Awad1, Sophie Gallina1

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Large populations can go extinct from accumulating mutations, challenging previous assumptions. Population survival hinges on the interplay between genetic load, fitness, and environmental factors.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Population genetics
  • Theoretical ecology

Background:

  • Deleterious mutations were thought to be efficiently purged in large populations.
  • The impact of mutation load on population size and extinction risk remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a model linking population size, mutation load, and extinction.
  • To investigate the role of self-fertilization and mutation type on population viability.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a simple analytical model incorporating demographic and genetic factors.
  • Validated model predictions using an individual-based stochastic simulation.

Main Results:

  • Initially large populations can face extinction due to accumulating mutations.
  • Population survival depends on the interaction between genetic load, fitness, and demographic stochasticity.
  • Recessive mutations and self-fertilization have complex, non-monotonic effects on viability.

Conclusions:

  • Population extinction is possible even in large populations due to mutation accumulation.
  • Understanding the interplay of genetic and demographic factors is crucial for predicting population viability.
  • Genomic features like cold-spots may influence the benefits of outcrossing versus self-fertilization.