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Multivariate trait evolution: models for the evolution of the quantitative genetic G-matrix on phylogenies
Simone P Blomberg1, Michelle Muniz2, Mai Ngoc Bui3
1School of The Environment, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.
Evolution Letters
|December 8, 2025
Summary
Quantitative genetic covariance matrices (G-matrices) can evolve over time. This study unifies quantitative genetics and macroevolutionary theory with new analytical models for G-matrix evolution on phylogenies.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Quantitative genetics
- Macroevolutionary theory
Background:
- Genetic covariance matrices (G-matrices) are crucial for evolutionary modeling of multiple traits.
- While G-matrices are known to evolve over deep time, quantitative genetic models for this evolution are lacking.
- Macroevolutionary studies have models for single traits but not for multivariate trait matrices evolving on phylogenies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To unify quantitative genetics and macroevolutionary theory.
- To develop analytical models for the evolution of G-matrices on phylogenies.
- To provide a framework for understanding G-matrix evolution.
Main Methods:
- Combined three analytical models for matrix evolution.
- Used simulation with Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) to fit models to data.
Main Results:
- Developed a coherent mathematical framework unifying quantitative genetics and macroevolution.
- Provided a basis for understanding G-matrix evolution on phylogenies.
- Enabled hypothesis testing for the evolution of genetic variances, covariances, and traits across phylogenies.
Conclusions:
- This unification advances the study of phenotypes.
- Enables the construction of a synthetic quantitative theory for the evolution of species and multivariate traits over deep time.
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