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Genetics, adaptation, and invasion in harsh environments.

Richard Gomulkiewicz1, Robert D Holt2, Michael Barfield2

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University Pullman, WA, USA.

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Summary

Mathematical models show that increased genetic loci for fitness can paradoxically reduce population persistence in harsh environments. Unequal gene effects and interactions are key to survival and extinction risk.

Keywords:
absolute mean fitnessextinction riskmajor and minor genesquantitative trait

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Population genetics
  • Mathematical modeling

Background:

  • Environmental changes pose extinction risks to populations.
  • Evolutionary adaptation is crucial for persistence in novel or harsh environments.
  • The genetic architecture of fitness influences adaptive potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze mathematical models of population persistence under environmental stress.
  • To investigate the impact of the genetic basis of fitness on survival.
  • To explore how different genetic assumptions affect evolutionary rescue.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of mathematical models with varying genetic assumptions.
  • Inclusion of models with identical loci, two-locus quantitative genetics, and major/minor genes.
  • Examination of population dynamics in response to sudden environmental changes.

Main Results:

  • Population persistence generally decreases as more loci contribute to fitness due to weakened selection per locus.
  • Genes with unequal effects can significantly reduce extinction risk.
  • Synergistic interactions between major and minor genes can accelerate adaptation but also increase extinction vulnerability.

Conclusions:

  • The number of genetic loci influencing fitness has a complex effect on population persistence.
  • Unequal gene effects and gene interactions are critical factors determining evolutionary rescue success.
  • Population's initial genetic structure and gene interaction types influence extinction risk in changing environments.