scholarly journals A TWO-SEX POLYGENIC MODEL FOR THE EVOLUTION OF PREMATING ISOLATION. II. COMPUTER SIMULATION OF EXPERIMENTAL SELECTION PROCEDURES

Genetics ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-235
Author(s):  
J A Sved
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Premating Isolation ◽  
Selection Procedures ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Selective Forces ◽  
Mating Model ◽  
Mating Choice ◽  
Monte Carlo Simulation Program

ABSTRACT A Monte-Carlo simulation program is described for a polygenic mating model introduced in the first paper in this series (Sved 1981). The program is used to simulate the situation in laboratory experiments in which two strains are allowed to mass-mate, hybrids are artificially eliminated and the establishment of mating isolation is studied. It is shown that, if mating choice is sufficiently precise, a combination of chance fluctuation and selection can lead to divergence in mating behavior. However, for small population sizes, the variability would usually be considerably reduced by the time some divergence is established, leading to low eventual levels of isolation. For larger population sizes, on the other hand, it may take many generations for any divergence to be established. —A dissection of the selective forces involved in the divergence shows that the major force potentially responsible for initial selective response is the tendency for divergent females and males to reject mates from the wrong strain. However, this is nullified in mixed-strain matings by the tendency of such individuals equally to reject mates from the correct strain. To overcome this problem, it is suggested that the usual mixed-strain mating procedure be replaced by procedures specifically designed to select for rejection of interstrain matings. Two procedures are suggested for this, and computer simulation shows that one or other of the procedures will work under the assumptions of the mating model. Other possible outcomes of selection, including asymmetrical divergence, are discussed for cases in which the assumptions of the mating model are invalid.

Estimating the exposure of carnivorous plants to rapid climatic change

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Fitzpatrick ◽  
Aaron M. Ellison
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Change ◽  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Species Distributions ◽  
Dispersal Limitation ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Carnivorous Plant ◽  
Carnivorous Plants ◽  
Habitat Specialization ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Suitable Habitats

Climatic change likely will exacerbate current threats to carnivorous plants. However, estimating the severity of climatic change is challenged by the unique ecology of carnivorous plants, including habitat specialization, dispersal limitation, small ranges, and small population sizes. We discuss and apply methods for modeling species distributions to overcome these challenges and quantify the vulnerability of carnivorous plants to rapid climatic change. Results suggest that climatic change will reduce habitat suitability for most carnivorous plants. Models also project increases in habitat suitability for many species, but the extent to which these increases may offset habitat losses will depend on whether individuals can disperse to and establish in newly suitable habitats outside of their current distribution. Reducing existing stressors and protecting habitats where numerous carnivorous plant species occur may ameliorate impacts of climatic change on this unique group of plants.

scholarly journals Computer simulation for the growing probability of additional offspring with an advantageous reversal allele in the decoupled continuous-time mutation–selection model

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (06) ◽  
pp. 1650070
Author(s):  
Wonpyong Gill
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Continuous Time ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Selection Model ◽  
Sequence Length ◽  
Theoretical Formula ◽  
Fitness Parameters ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Fitness Parameter ◽  
Allele Model

This study calculated the growing probability of additional offspring with the advantageous reversal allele in an asymmetric sharply-peaked landscape using the decoupled continuous-time mutation–selection model. The growing probability was calculated for various population sizes, N, sequence lengths, L, selective advantages, s, fitness parameters, k and measuring parameters, C. The saturated growing probability in the stochastic region was approximately the effective selective advantage, [Formula: see text], when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The present study suggests that the growing probability in the stochastic region in the decoupled continuous-time mutation–selection model can be described using the theoretical formula for the growing probability in the Moran two-allele model. The selective advantage ratio, which represents the ratio of the effective selective advantage to the selective advantage, does not depend on the population size, selective advantage, measuring parameter and fitness parameter; instead the selective advantage ratio decreases with the increasing sequence length.

scholarly journals Nestling Sex Ratio in the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

The Condor ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 877-881
Author(s):  
Eben H. Paxton ◽  
Mark K. Sogge ◽  
Tracy D. McCarthey ◽  
Paul Keim
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Geographic Isolation ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Genetic Techniques ◽  
Willow Flycatcher ◽  
Empidonax Traillii ◽  
Negative Impacts

AbstractUsing molecular-genetic techniques, we determined the gender of 202 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) nestlings from 95 nests sampled over a five-year period. Overall nestling sex ratio did not vary significantly from 50:50 among years, by clutch order, or by mating strategy (monogamous vs. polygamous pairings). However, we did observe significant differences among the four sites sampled, with sex ratios biased either toward males or females at the different sites. Given the small population sizes and geographic isolation of many of the endangered subspecies' breeding populations, sex-ratio differences may have localized negative impacts.Cociente de Sexos en Polluelos de Empidonax traillii extimusResumen. Utilizando técnicas moleculares determinamos el sexo de 202 polluelos de Empidonax traillii extimus pertenecientes a 95 nidos que fueron muestreados durante un período de cinco años. En general, el cociente de sexos no varió significativamente de 50:50 entre años, ya sea por orden de la nidada o por estrategia de apareamiento (monogamia vs. poligamia). Sin embargo, observamos diferencias significativas entre los cuatro sitios muestreados, en los cuales la razón de sexos estuvo sesgada hacia los machos o las hembras dependiendo del sitio. Dados los pequeños tamaños poblacionales y el aislamiento geográfico de muchas de las poblaciones reproductivas de esta subespecie en peligro, las diferencias en el cociente de sexos pueden tener un impacto negativo a nivel local.

Population viability analysis on a native Danish cattle breed

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morten Hertz ◽  
Iben Ravnborg Jensen ◽  
Laura Østergaard Jensen ◽  
Iben Vejrum Nielsen ◽  
Jacob Winde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Population Viability Analysis ◽  
Cattle Breed ◽  
Population Viability ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Viability Analysis ◽  
Probability Of Survival ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Breeding Pool

SummaryMany domestic breeds face challenges concerning genetic variability, because of their small population sizes along with a high risk of inbreeding. Therefore, it is important to obtain knowledge on their extinction risk, along with the possible benefits of certain breeding strategies. Since many domestic breeds face the same problems, results from such studies can be applied across breeds and species. Here a Population Viability Analysis (PVA) was implemented to simulate the future probability of extinction for a population of the endangered Danish Jutland cattle (Bos taurus), based on the software Vortex. A PVA evaluates the extinction risk of a population by including threats and demographic values. According to the results from the PVA the population will go extinct after 122 years with the current management. Four scenarios were created to investigate which changes in the breeding scheme would have the largest effect on the survival probabilities, including Scenario 1: More females in the breeding pool, scenario 2: More males in the breeding pool, scenario 3: Increased carrying capacity, and scenario 4: Supplementing males to the population through artificial insemination using semen from bulls used in the populations in past generations. All scenarios showed a positive effect on the population's probability of survival, and with a combination of the different scenarios, the population size seems to be stabilized.

Biology and conservation of Coptis teeta Wall. – an endemic and endangered medicinal herb of Eastern Himalaya

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. PANDIT ◽  
C. R. BABU
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Information ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Eastern Himalaya ◽  
Evolutionary Divergence ◽  
External Threats ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Over Exploitation ◽  
Endangered Medicinal Herb ◽  
The Tropics

Medicinal plants are a valuable resource for regional economic development in the tropics, and the Eastern Himalaya in particular harbours many such species. Extensive deforestation and over-exploitation in this region have brought several species to the brink of extinction, and Coptis teeta is such an endangered species; yet scientific information for its conservation is lacking. Investigations on the distribution range, demography, ecology, cytology, reproductive biology and population genetic structure of C. teeta were carried out; it was found to be endemic to a small area, to occupy a very narrow habitat and to be highly dispersed with very small population sizes. Edaphic factors were found to have played a vital role in ecological preference, natural distribution and evolutionary divergence of the species. The species exhibits a ‘K’ strategy, high male sterility, low reproductive success and efficiency, inadequate seed dispersal, and little genetic variability. A combination of these genetic hurdles and external threats in the form of habitat disturbance and over-exploitation for commercial purposes could result in its extinction. The species was found to have highly specific microsite requirements that cannot be met in other habitats. It is argued that in situ conservation measures would be the best strategy for the continued survival of this species. For effective management of the species it is recommended that its habitat be declared a protected area with the active cooperation of local inhabitants including the sharing of benefits of conservation.

scholarly journals Evidence for r - and K -selection in a wild bird population: a reciprocal link between ecology and evolution

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1829) ◽  
pp. 20152411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernt-Erik Sæther ◽  
Marcel E. Visser ◽  
Vidar Grøtan ◽  
Steinar Engen
Keyword(s):  
Density Dependence ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Balancing Selection ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Environmental Stochasticity ◽  
Fluctuating Environments ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Large Clutch

Understanding the variation in selection pressure on key life-history traits is crucial in our rapidly changing world. Density is rarely considered as a selective agent. To study its importance, we partition phenotypic selection in fluctuating environments into components representing the population growth rate at low densities and the strength of density dependence, using a new stochastic modelling framework. We analysed the number of eggs laid per season in a small song-bird, the great tit, and found balancing selection favouring large clutch sizes at small population densities and smaller clutches in years with large populations. A significant interaction between clutch size and population size in the regression for the Malthusian fitness reveals that those females producing large clutch sizes at small population sizes also are those that show the strongest reduction in fitness when population size is increased. This provides empirical support for ongoing r - and K -selection in this population, favouring phenotypes with large growth rates r at small population sizes and phenotypes with high competitive skills when populations are close to the carrying capacity K . This selection causes long-term fluctuations around a stable mean clutch size caused by variation in population size, implying that r - and K -selection is an important mechanism influencing phenotypic evolution in fluctuating environments. This provides a general link between ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes, operating through a joint influence of density dependence and environmental stochasticity on fluctuations in population size.

scholarly journals Reproductive isolation of hybrid populations driven by genetic incompatibilities

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Molly Schumer ◽  
Rongfeng Cui ◽  
Gil G Rosenthal ◽  
Peter Andolfatto
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Isolation ◽  
Alternative Model ◽  
Parental Species ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Hybrid Population ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Simple Consequence ◽  
Hybrid Species ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Adaptive Radiations

Despite its role in homogenizing populations, hybridization has also been proposed as a means to generate new species. The conceptual basis for this idea is that hybridization can result in novel phenotypes through recombination between the parental genomes, allowing a hybrid population to occupy ecological niches unavailable to parental species. A key feature of these models is that these novel phenotypes ecologically isolate hybrid populations from parental populations, precipitating speciation. Here we present an alternative model of the evolution of reproductive isolation in hybrid populations that occurs as a simple consequence of selection against incompatibilities. Unlike previous models, our model does not require small population sizes, the availability of new niches for hybrids or ecological or sexual selection on hybrid traits. We show that reproductive isolation between hybrids and parents evolves frequently and rapidly under this model, even in the presence of ongoing migration with parental species and strong selection against hybrids. Our model predicts that multiple distinct hybrid species can emerge from replicate hybrid populations formed from the same parental species, potentially generating patterns of species diversity and relatedness that mimic adaptive radiations.

scholarly journals Evolution of Drift Robustness in Small Populations

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas LaBar ◽  
Christoph Adami
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Modeling ◽  
Experimental Evolution ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Small Populations ◽  
Mutational Load ◽  
Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Mutational Robustness ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Slightly Deleterious Mutations ◽  
Population Sizes

AbstractMost mutations are deleterious and cause a reduction in population fitness known as the mutational load. In small populations, weakened selection against slightly-deleterious mutations results in an additional fitness reduction. Many studies have established that populations can evolve a reduced mutational load by evolving mutational robustness, but it is uncertain whether small populations can evolve a reduced susceptibility to drift-related fitness declines. Here, using mathematical modeling and digital experimental evolution, we show that small populations do evolve a reduced vulnerability to drift, or “drift robustness”. We find that, compared to genotypes from large populations, genotypes from small populations have a decreased likelihood of small-effect deleterious mutations, thus causing small-population genotypes to be drift-robust. We further show that drift robustness is not adaptive, but instead arises because small populations preferentially adapt to drift-robust fitness peaks. These results have implications for genome evolution in organisms with small population sizes.

scholarly journals Long live the king: chromosome-level assembly of the lion (Panthera leo) using linked-read, Hi-C, and long read data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie E. Armstrong ◽  
Ryan W. Taylor ◽  
Danny E. Miller ◽  
Christopher Kaelin ◽  
Gregory Barsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Population ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Panthera Leo ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Social Species ◽  
Asiatic Lion ◽  
Oxford Nanopore ◽  
Long Read ◽  
Population Sizes ◽  
Chromosome Level

AbstractThe lion (Panthera leo) is one of the most popular and iconic feline species on the planet, yet in spite of its popularity, the last century has seen massive declines for lion populations worldwide. Genomic resources for endangered species represent an important way forward for the field of conservation, enabling high-resolution studies of demography, disease, and population dynamics. Here, we present a chromosome-level assembly for the captive African lion from the Exotic Feline Rescue Center as a resource for current and subsequent genetic work of the sole social species of the Panthera clade. Our assembly is composed of 10x Genomics Chromium data, Dovetail Hi-C, and Oxford Nanopore long-read data. Synteny is highly conserved between the lion, other Panthera genomes, and the domestic cat. We find variability in the length and levels of homozygosity across the genomes of the lion sequenced here and other previous published resequence data, indicating contrasting histories of recent and ancient small population sizes and/or inbreeding. Demographic analyses reveal similar histories across all individuals except the Asiatic lion, which shows a more rapid decline in population size. This high-quality genome will greatly aid in the continuing research and conservation efforts for the lion.

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