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An explicit model for the inbreeding load in the evolutionary analysis of selfing
1Universidad Complutense, Departamento de Genetica, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|March 22, 2017
Summary
Natural selection favors stable equilibria of complete selfing or outcrossing. Selfing evolves with high mutation rates and recessive deleterious effects, even with small homozygous effects in large populations.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Population genetics
Background:
- Understanding the evolution of mating systems is crucial in population genetics.
- Inbreeding load, mutation, selection, and mating systems interact to shape population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop analytical predictions for equilibrium inbreeding load.
- To explore conditions favoring the evolution of selfing versus outcrossing.
Main Methods:
- Analytical predictions for inbreeding load.
- Deduction of relative fitness for mutant alleles under selfing.
- Analysis across various population sizes and mutation parameters.
Main Results:
- Natural selection leads to stable equilibria of complete outcrossing or selfing.
- Selfing is promoted by high deleterious mutation rates and recessive deleterious effects.
- Homozygous deleterious effect magnitude is relevant mainly in small populations, contradicting prior assumptions for large populations.
Conclusions:
- Previously published results for lethal mutations can be extrapolated to nonlethal alleles with similar recessivity.
- The study provides insights into the evolution of mating systems, particularly the prevalence of selfing.
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