Selection in complex genetic systems. VI. Equilibrium properties of two locus selection models with partial selfing

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Quantitative Genetics

Background:

• Commonly held assumptions about self-fertilization's impact on genetic diversity may be inaccurate.
• Previous models often assumed random mating, potentially oversimplifying real-world population dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of partial selfing on two-locus selection models.
• To challenge and refine existing theories regarding self-fertilization and genetic polymorphism.

Main Methods:

• Combined analytical and numerical approaches were used.
• Two-locus selection models incorporating partial selfing were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Increased selfing rates can lead to higher population heterozygosity, contrary to expectations.
• Selection guaranteeing polymorphism under complete selfing does not always ensure it with partial selfing.
• Small amounts of self-fertilization minimally alter predictions from random mating models, especially for loosely linked loci.

Conclusions:

• Partial self-fertilization can have complex and counterintuitive effects on genetic diversity.
• Even minor outcrossing can significantly deviate population genetic predictions from those based on complete selfing.
• Rethinking assumptions in population genetic models is necessary when considering selfing rates.