The effects of stochastic and episodic movement of the optimum on the evolution of the G-matrix and the response of the trait mean to selection.

ABSTRACT: Theoretical and empirical results demonstrate that the G-matrix, which summarizes additive genetic variances and covariances of quantitative traits, changes over time. Such evolution and fluctuation of the G-matrix could potentially have wide-ranging effects on phenotypic evolution. Nevertheless, no studies have yet addressed G-matrix stability and evolution when movement of an intermediate optimum includes large, episodic jumps or stochasticity. Here, we investigate such scenarios by using simulation-based models of G-matrix evolution. These analyses yield four important insights regarding the evolution and stability of the G-matrix. (i) Regardless of the model of peak movement, a moving optimum causes the G-matrix to orient towards the direction of net peak movement, so that genetic vari

SUBMITTER: Jones AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3484198 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature