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Inbreeding shapes the evolution of marine invertebrates
Kevin C Olsen1, Will H Ryan2, Alice A Winn1
1Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, 32304.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|March 20, 2020
Summary
Inbreeding is common in marine invertebrates, similar to seed plants. This suggests inbreeding significantly influences marine organism evolution, affecting traits like reproductive strategies and life cycles.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Marine biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Inbreeding is a key evolutionary factor, yet its drivers and expression are poorly understood.
- Research often focuses on plant self-fertilization or assumes rare inbreeding in animals favoring outbreeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare inbreeding coefficients (FIS) in sessile/sedentary marine organisms with terrestrial plants.
- To investigate factors influencing inbreeding variation within marine invertebrates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of published inbreeding coefficient (FIS) estimates.
- Correlating FIS with life history traits like self-fertilization, dispersal, and mate choice.
Main Results:
- Inbreeding coefficients (FIS) in sessile/sedentary marine organisms are comparable to those in terrestrial seed plants.
- Inbreeding variation in marine invertebrates is linked to self-fertilization, dispersal ability, and mate choice.
Conclusions:
- Inbreeding may play a more substantial role in marine invertebrate evolution than previously assumed.
- Inbreeding could drive major evolutionary shifts in marine invertebrates, including reproductive modes and life history patterns.
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