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MUTATIONS DO NOT ACCUMULATE IN ASEXUAL ISOLATES CAPABLE OF GROWTH AND EXTINCTION-MULLER'S RATCHET RE-EXAMINED.

A L Melzer1, J H Koeslag2

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Muller's Ratchet, which explains asexual species rarity, may not apply if selection is absolute. Mutations accumulate only if they affect survival contests, not intrinsic fitness.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Population Genetics

Background:

  • Muller's Ratchet posits irreversible mutation accumulation in asexual populations.
  • Previous models assumed isolate immortality and relative fitness ('soft' selection).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Muller's Ratchet under 'hard' selection (absolute fitness) and varying population dynamics.
  • To determine conditions under which mutations accumulate in asexual isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Computer modeling of 200 asexual organisms over 100 generations.
  • Simulations incorporated 'hard' selection and different population size regulations.

Main Results:

  • Mutation distribution remained stable with unlimited population fluctuations.
  • Limited population size led to isolate extinction, inversely related to maximum size.
  • Mutants were purged when resource limitation penalized them.
  • Mutations accumulated indefinitely in immortal isolates with constant population size.

Conclusions:

  • Muller's Ratchet is contingent on mutations impacting intraspecific competition, not absolute survival.
  • The theory's applicability depends on the type of selection and population regulation.