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Through Sex, Nature Is Telling Us Something Important
1University of Michigan, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Natural Science Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Trends in Genetics : TIG
|February 8, 2018
Summary
Amphimixis, or sexual reproduction, offers theoretical advantages through genetic variation. However, its relevance in natural populations remains unclear, necessitating direct selection measurements for evolutionary understanding.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Population genetics
- Reproductive strategies
Background:
- Amphimixis (sexual reproduction) theoretically benefits offspring genetic diversity.
- Experimental evidence supports these benefits in artificial populations.
- Natural populations may lack sufficient selection to favor obligate amphimixis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relevance of amphimixis-promoting mechanisms in natural populations.
- To determine if natural selection provides evolutionary protection for amphimixis.
- To highlight the need for direct measurements of natural selection's strength.
Main Methods:
- The study theoretically explores mechanisms favoring amphimixis.
- It reviews experimental findings in artificial populations.
- It analyzes indirect estimates of selection in natural settings.
Main Results:
- Theoretical advantages of amphimixis are acknowledged.
- Experimental success in artificial populations is noted.
- Indirect estimates suggest weak selection in natural populations, potentially insufficient for obligate amphimixis.
Conclusions:
- The evolutionary significance of amphimixis in nature is uncertain.
- Current evidence suggests natural selection may not strongly favor obligate amphimixis.
- Direct measurement of natural selection is crucial for advancing the understanding of amphimixis evolution.
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