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Experimental evolution of evolutionary potential in fluctuating environments
Tarmo Ketola1, Ilkka Kronholm1
1Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|May 2, 2023
Summary
Evolutionary potential relies on genetic variation. Experiments with Serratia marcescens show that adaptation to fluctuating environments reduces the visibility of genetic variation to natural selection.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Genetic variation is essential for evolution.
- Environmental fluctuations can influence the visibility of genetic variation to natural selection.
- Experimental evidence is needed to understand these interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify genetic and environmental variance in Serratia marcescens populations.
- To investigate how experimental evolution in constant versus fluctuating environments affects evolutionary potential.
- To determine if adaptation to fluctuating environments alters the visibility of genetic variation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental evolution of Serratia marcescens in controlled environments (constant and fluctuating).
- Quantification of variance components (population, genotype, environment).
- Analysis of how environmental conditions impact genetic variation visibility.
Main Results:
- Populations evolved in fluctuating environments showed increased environmental variation.
- Adaptation to fluctuating conditions appears to decrease the visibility of genetic variation to selection.
- Differences in evolutionary potential were observed based on environmental history.
Conclusions:
- Environmental fluctuations can mask genetic variation, potentially impacting evolutionary trajectories.
- Adaptation to environmental instability may involve mechanisms that reduce the direct influence of genetic differences on fitness.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the interplay between environmental dynamics and genetic variation in evolution.
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