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Evolution via somatic genetic variation in modular species.

Thorsten B H Reusch1, Iliana B Baums2, Benjamin Werner3

  • 1Marine Evolutionary Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Christian‑Albrechts‑Platz 4, 24118 Kiel, Germany.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Somatic genetic variation (SoGV) is crucial in long-lived organisms, influencing evolution through both sexual and asexual reproduction. Understanding SoGV impacts genetic load and molecular evolution in integrated life cycles.

Keywords:
asexual evolutionclonal reproductiongermlinemodular organismssomatic mutation

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Somatic genetic variation (SoGV) is a significant factor in long-lived, modular organisms like plants, animals, and fungi.
  • Genomic data reveals genetic heterogeneity at both cellular and modular levels, influenced by multilevel selection.
  • SoGV can be transmitted to gametes, affecting the evolutionary trajectory of species with integrated sexual/asexual life cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the underappreciated role of somatic genetic variation (SoGV) in the evolution of long-lived, modular species.
  • To explore the implications of genetic heterogeneity and multilevel selection on SoGV.
  • To examine the interplay between sexual and asexual reproduction in the context of SoGV transmission and its impact on genetic load and molecular evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of recent genomic data to identify levels of genetic heterogeneity.
  • Investigation of SoGV transmission into gametes during ontogeny.
  • Conceptual framework for understanding multilevel selection and its impact on SoGV.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct levels of genetic heterogeneity (cell lines and modules) are identified, subject to multilevel selection.
  • SoGV transfer into gametes is possible in species where germlines sequester late in development.
  • The integration of sexual and asexual processes creates interdependent routes for mutational input.

Conclusions:

  • Somatic genetic variation plays a consequential role in the molecular evolution and genetic load of species with integrated life cycles.
  • Further research is needed to explore the fitness effects of SoGV and the implications of multilevel selection.
  • Modeling asexual selective sweeps, drawing from tumor evolution, offers a promising avenue for future studies.