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Sex determination in a symmetric autosomal multi-locus model
F B Christiansen1, M W Feldman
1Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Theoretical Population Biology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
This study presents a new genetic model for sex determination based on heterozygosity at multiple gene loci. It identifies conditions for stable, even sex ratios and explores recombination
Area of Science:
- Population Genetics
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- Existing models of sex determination often simplify genetic interactions.
- Understanding the genetic basis of sex determination is crucial for evolutionary studies.
- The two-gene theory provides a foundation but may not capture complex genetic scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a generalized model for sex determination based on an individual's genotype at multiple loci.
- To analyze the stability of equilibria, particularly those resulting in an even sex ratio.
- To investigate the influence of recombination on the stability of genetic equilibria.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mathematical model incorporating genotype at 'n' loci.
- Utilizing set indexation for compact representation of recombination.
- Employing frequency transformations to reveal subgroup structures in the frequency simplex.
Main Results:
- Polymorphic equilibria correspond to natural subgroups identified through frequency transformations.
- Conditions for stable equilibria exhibiting an even sex ratio were determined.
- Recombination's impact on the stability of various equilibria, including those with linkage disequilibrium, was analyzed.
Conclusions:
- The generalized model extends the two-gene theory by considering multiple loci and heterozygosity.
- Recombination plays a significant role in the stability dynamics of sex determination equilibria.
- The study provides insights into the evolutionary maintenance of sex ratios in populations.