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Related Concept Videos

Frequency-dependent Selection01:21

Frequency-dependent Selection

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When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.
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Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.
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Natural Selection and Adaptation01:15

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Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations,...
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Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.
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Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.
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A Molecular Readout of Long-term Olfactory Adaptation in C. elegans
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Recurrent adaptation in a low-dispersal trait.

Joost A M Raeymaekers1, Thierry Backeljau

  • 1Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, University of Leuven, Ch. Deberiotstraat, 32, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.

Molecular Ecology
|February 17, 2015
PubMed
Summary

A study on the salt marsh beetle Pogonus chalceus reveals that a key gene for short wings originated in an isolated population. This adaptive allele then spread rapidly, highlighting the importance of allopatric origins in speciation.

Keywords:
Coleopteraadaptationecological speciationparallel evolution

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Ecological genetics
  • Speciation research

Background:

  • Understanding adaptation and speciation relies on studying natural populations in diverse environments.
  • Parallel evolution offers insights into the genetic basis of adaptive traits and gene flow.
  • Few studies comprehensively trace adaptive traits from mutation to widespread prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reconstruct the evolutionary history of a gene influencing wing size in Pogonus chalceus.
  • To investigate the origin and spread of adaptive alleles.
  • To determine the role of allopatric phases in the early stages of speciation.

Main Methods:

  • Screening the entire distribution range of Pogonus chalceus.
  • Reconstructing the evolutionary history of a specific gene.
  • Analyzing genetic variation in wing size ecotypes.

Main Results:

  • A single origin was identified for the allele associated with the short-winged ecotype.
  • This adaptive allele evolved in an isolated population.
  • The short-winged allele rapidly introgressed into other populations.

Conclusions:

  • Adaptive genetic variation in sympatric populations can have an allopatric origin.
  • Allopatric phases are crucial for the early stages of speciation.
  • This study provides a comprehensive view of adaptive trait evolution from mutation to adaptation.