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Published on: January 5, 2018
The current status of REH theory
This study refutes Fitch's critique of REH theory, demonstrating that evolutionary estimates of mutations do not necessarily increase variance. REH theory offers comparable variance to other models and may decrease with further constraint analysis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Evolution
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Fitch's (1980) evaluation of REH theory for macromolecular divergence presented a critique alleging increased variance in evolutionary estimates.
- This critique is contested as erroneous and distorted, lacking factual basis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly address and refute Fitch's (1980) erroneous claims regarding the variance associated with REH theory.
- To provide a detailed response to distortions in the analysis of REH theory's application to macromolecular divergence.
Main Methods:
- Direct calculation of variance in estimates of total mutations fixed using REH theory.
- Comparative analysis of REH theory's variance against other existing evolutionary models.
- Development of a general argument considering evolutionary constraints.
Main Results:
- No factual basis supports Fitch's claim that improved evolutionary estimates inherently increase variance.
- Calculated variance for REH theory is comparable to other models under equiprobable genetic events.
- Variance is predicted to decrease as selective, functional, and structural constraints are more rigorously incorporated.
Conclusions:
- Fitch's (1980) evaluation of REH theory is fundamentally flawed.
- REH theory provides reliable evolutionary estimates with manageable variance.
- Further consideration of evolutionary constraints will likely enhance the precision of REH theory.
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