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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
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Fixation properties of subdivided populations with balancing selection
Pierangelo Lombardo1, Andrea Gambassi1, Luca Dall'Asta2,3
1SISSA-International School for Advanced Studies and INFN, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
Summary
Migration and balancing selection influence population evolution. This study reveals a phase transition in large populations and complex fixation times in smaller ones, offering insights into biodiversity dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Population Genetics
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- Population subdivision, migration, selection, and genetic drift are key evolutionary forces.
- Understanding fixation properties in these complex systems is crucial for evolutionary dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fixation properties of subdivided populations under balancing selection.
- To analyze the impact of migration rates on evolutionary outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a recently proposed method based on time scale separation between local and global dynamics.
- Developing an effective coarser description using a voter model with intermediate states for stronger selection.
Main Results:
- The method accurately predicts a phase transition between species coexistence and biodiversity loss in the infinite-size limit.
- A nonmonotonic dependence of mean fixation time on migration rate was observed in finite populations.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into evolutionary dynamics in subdivided populations under balancing selection.
- The developed models highlight basic mechanisms driving evolutionary processes and biodiversity outcomes.
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