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Summary
Long-term selection can maintain significant genetic variability, especially when selection targets polygenic traits. This review explores mechanisms preserving genetic diversity under intense selective pressures.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary genetics
- Quantitative genetics
Background:
- Long-term selection experiments are crucial for understanding evolutionary processes.
- Genetic variability is a fundamental requirement for adaptation and evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for substantial genetic variability during long-term selection.
- To explore mechanisms preserving genetic variability under intensive selection.
- To investigate the relationship between selection and the rate of new genetic changes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on long-term selection experiments.
- Analysis of data demonstrating genetic variability under selection.
- Discussion of classical genetic mechanisms and de novo mutation influences.
Main Results:
- Significant genetic variability can be preserved even under strong, long-term selection.
- Classical genetic mechanisms contribute to maintaining variability.
- Selection's impact on variability is highest when acting on polygenic traits with regulatory functions.
Conclusions:
- Intensive selection does not necessarily deplete genetic variability.
- The interplay between selection vector and the rate of genetic change is significant.
- Behavioral and physiological traits are key examples of phenotypes influencing variability under selection.