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Genetic Drift

Genetic Drift

Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).

Types of Selection

Types of Selection

Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...

Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis

Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis

Mechanistic models are utilized in individual analysis using single-source data, but imperfections arise due to data collection errors, preventing perfect prediction of observed data. The mathematical equation involves known values (Xi), observed concentrations (Ci), measurement errors (εi), model parameters (ϕj), and the related function (ƒi) for i number of values. Different least-squares metrics quantify differences between predicted and observed values. The ordinary least...

Limits to Natural Selection

Limits to Natural Selection

Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.

Frequency-dependent Selection

Frequency-dependent Selection

When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Mutation-selection-drift balance models of complex diseases.

Jeremy J Berg^1,2, Xinyi Li², Kellen Riall²

¹Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology

|June 4, 2025

Summary

This study models mutation-selection-drift-balance for complex diseases, revealing common genetic variation is shaped by stabilizing selection, not directional selection. This impacts disease heritability estimates.

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary genetics
Complex disease architecture
Population genetics

Background:

Genetic variation influences complex disease susceptibility through mutation, selection, and drift.
The mutation-selection-drift-balance (MSDB) model has been limited to monogenic diseases.
Understanding evolutionary forces shaping complex diseases is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and apply an MSDB model for complex disease susceptibility.
To investigate the roles of directional and stabilizing selection on genetic variation.
To re-evaluate disease heritability estimates.

Main Methods:

Developed a novel MSDB model for complex diseases using the liability threshold model.
Assumed selection derives from disease fitness costs.
Focused on highly polygenic diseases with substantial fitness costs.

Main Results:

Directional selection has minimal impact on common genetic variation for complex diseases.
Rare, large-effect variation may be substantially affected by directional selection.
Common variation is primarily shaped by pleiotropic stabilizing selection on other traits.
Current heritability estimates may be biased.

Conclusions:

Complex disease genetic architecture is shaped by stabilizing selection on other traits, not directional selection.
The developed model enhances understanding of evolutionary processes influencing complex diseases.
Findings necessitate re-evaluation of heritability estimation methods.