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Correlational selection and the evolution of genomic architecture

Sinervo, B and Svensson, Erik LU orcid (2002) In Heredity 89(5). p.329-338
Abstract
We review and discuss the importance of correlational selection (selection for optimal character combinations) in natural populations. If two or more traits subject to multivariate selection are heritable, correlational selection builds favourable genetic correlations through the formation of linkage disequilibrium at underlying loci governing the traits. However, linkage disequilibria built up by correlational selection are expected to decay rapidly (ie, within a few generations), unless correlational selection is strong and chronic. We argue that frequency-dependent biotic interactions that have Red Queen dynamics (eg, host-parasite interactions, predator-prey relationships or intraspecific arms races) often fuel chronic correlational... (More)
We review and discuss the importance of correlational selection (selection for optimal character combinations) in natural populations. If two or more traits subject to multivariate selection are heritable, correlational selection builds favourable genetic correlations through the formation of linkage disequilibrium at underlying loci governing the traits. However, linkage disequilibria built up by correlational selection are expected to decay rapidly (ie, within a few generations), unless correlational selection is strong and chronic. We argue that frequency-dependent biotic interactions that have Red Queen dynamics (eg, host-parasite interactions, predator-prey relationships or intraspecific arms races) often fuel chronic correlational selection, which is strong enough to maintain adaptive genetic correlations of the kind we describe. We illustrate these processes and phenomena using empirical examples from various plant and animal systems, including our own recent work on the evolutionary dynamics of a heritable throat colour polymorphism in the side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana. In particular, male and female colour morphs of side-blotched lizards cycle on five- and two-generation (year) timescales under the force of strong frequency-dependent selection. Each morph refines the other morph in a Red Queen dynamic. Strong correlational selection gradients among life history, immunological and morphological traits shape the genetic correlations of the side-blotched lizard polymorphism. We discuss the broader evolutionary consequences of the buildup of co-adapted trait complexes within species, such as the implications for speciation processes. (Less)
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author
and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
Heredity
volume
89
issue
5
pages
329 - 338
publisher
Macmillan
external identifiers
  • wos:000179334600001
  • pmid:12399990
  • scopus:0036856567
  • pmid:12399990
ISSN
1365-2540
DOI
10.1038/sj.hdy.6800148
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
a049b2c0-8bad-4856-85db-e355e420a844 (old id 131463)
date added to LUP
2016-04-01 12:22:10
date last changed
2024-04-09 10:31:37
@article{a049b2c0-8bad-4856-85db-e355e420a844,
  abstract     = {{We review and discuss the importance of correlational selection (selection for optimal character combinations) in natural populations. If two or more traits subject to multivariate selection are heritable, correlational selection builds favourable genetic correlations through the formation of linkage disequilibrium at underlying loci governing the traits. However, linkage disequilibria built up by correlational selection are expected to decay rapidly (ie, within a few generations), unless correlational selection is strong and chronic. We argue that frequency-dependent biotic interactions that have Red Queen dynamics (eg, host-parasite interactions, predator-prey relationships or intraspecific arms races) often fuel chronic correlational selection, which is strong enough to maintain adaptive genetic correlations of the kind we describe. We illustrate these processes and phenomena using empirical examples from various plant and animal systems, including our own recent work on the evolutionary dynamics of a heritable throat colour polymorphism in the side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana. In particular, male and female colour morphs of side-blotched lizards cycle on five- and two-generation (year) timescales under the force of strong frequency-dependent selection. Each morph refines the other morph in a Red Queen dynamic. Strong correlational selection gradients among life history, immunological and morphological traits shape the genetic correlations of the side-blotched lizard polymorphism. We discuss the broader evolutionary consequences of the buildup of co-adapted trait complexes within species, such as the implications for speciation processes.}},
  author       = {{Sinervo, B and Svensson, Erik}},
  issn         = {{1365-2540}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{5}},
  pages        = {{329--338}},
  publisher    = {{Macmillan}},
  series       = {{Heredity}},
  title        = {{Correlational selection and the evolution of genomic architecture}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.hdy.6800148}},
  doi          = {{10.1038/sj.hdy.6800148}},
  volume       = {{89}},
  year         = {{2002}},
}