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Population Genomic Scans for Natural Selection and Demography
Xiaoheng Cheng1, Matthias Steinrücken2,1
1Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA;
Annual Review of Genetics
|September 3, 2024
Summary
Population genetics research explores genomic variation drivers, including demographic changes and natural selection. This study reviews models and methods for analyzing population genomic data to understand these evolutionary forces.
Area of Science:
- Population Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Genomic variation in natural populations is shaped by demographic factors and selection.
- Understanding these processes is key to population genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss characterization of demographic and selection processes using population genetic models.
- To review methods for analyzing modern population genomic data.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing population genetic models.
- Applying developed methods to population genomic datasets.
- Inferring demography and identifying nonneutral genetic variants.
Main Results:
- Methods can infer demographic history and detect selection.
- Caution is needed in specific inference scenarios.
- Joint inference of demography and selection presents challenges.
Conclusions:
- Population genetic models and methods are crucial for understanding genomic variation.
- Accurate inference requires careful consideration of model assumptions and data.
- Further research is needed to jointly infer demographic and selective processes genome-wide.
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