Problems with studying directional natural selection in humans.

ABSTRACT: The review describes the main methods for assessing directional selection in human populations. These include bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequences via detection of linkage disequilibrium and of deviations from the random distribution of frequencies of genetic variants, demographic and anthropometric studies based on a search for a correlation between fertility and phenotypic traits, genome-wide association studies on fertility along with genetic loci and polygenic risk scores, and a comparison of allele frequencies between generations (in modern samples and in those obtained from burials). Each approach has its limitations and is applicable to different periods in the evolution of Homo sapiens. The main source of error in such studies is thought to be sample stratification, the small nu

SUBMITTER: Mikhailova SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10643113 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature