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Marjo Saastamoinen1, Greta Bocedi2, Julien Cote3

  • 1Department of Biosciences, Metapopulation Research Centre, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.

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Summary

Dispersal, crucial for population dynamics, has a genetic basis in many species. Understanding its complex genetic architecture is key for accurate ecological and evolutionary models.

Keywords:
dispersal kerneleco-evolutionary modelsgene flowgenetic architecturegenotype-environment interactionsheritabilitylife-history traitsmigrationmobilitymovement

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Dispersal significantly impacts population and community dynamics, influencing gene flow and demography.
  • The evolutionary change of dispersal necessitates understanding its underlying genetic basis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review empirical literature on the genetic basis of dispersal.
  • To explore theoretical models of dispersal evolution and their genetic assumptions.
  • To discuss how dispersal's genetic architecture affects evolutionary predictions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of empirical studies on dispersal genetics.
  • Analysis of theoretical models concerning the genetics of dispersal.
  • Synthesis of findings to connect genetic basis with evolutionary outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Dispersal exhibits a detectable genetic basis across diverse taxa, with evidence of genetic variation and micro-evolution.
  • Dispersal traits are typically polygenic, influenced by multiple genes and often correlated with other traits.
  • Theoretical models are increasingly incorporating complex genetic architectures, revealing their impact on evolutionary rates.

Conclusions:

  • The complex genetic basis of dispersal influences evolutionary trajectories and ecological dynamics, especially in changing environments.
  • More realistic genetic models are needed for accurate predictions of population responses to environmental change.
  • Further empirical research is required to elucidate specific genes, context-dependent genetics, and trait correlations in dispersal.