Evolution at Multiple Loci: Quantitative Genetics

I. Rediscovery of Mendel and Challenges to Natural Selection Do traits that exhibit continuous variation have a genetic basis? If the only traits which have genetic variation are controlled by one or two loci then natural selection not as important as mutation Darwin envisioned evolution to be a continuous process of selection acting on limitless genetic variation, with small changes occurring in any one generation, but large changes occurring over long periods.

Why the normal distribution: Central Limit Theorem

Mendelian genetics can explain quantitative traits Example 1: NILSSON-EHLE: Red and White Kernal Color in Wheat Example 2: East’s work with tobacco

Quantitative traits are influenced by the environment as well as genotype Yarrow plant

1. Fisher’s prediction Mutation Effect Probability of Fixation 2. Kimura’s modification 3. Orr’s modification II. Neo Darwinian Synthesis Theoretical models that support then contend with the Darwinian model

Typical results Corolla Width (mm) F2 BC F1 M. micranthus M. guttatus F1 F2 Fenster & Ritland 1994 Testing the Models:

No filter Filtered image— “bumblevision”

Segregation Of floral types Demonstrate Genetic basis Of trait Differences

Convergent evolution??

Yosemite Sam thinks so

1. Fisher’s prediction Mutation Effect Probability of Fixation 2. Kimura’s modification 3. Orr’s modification Theoretical models that support then contend with the Darwinian model Alleles with a distribution of effect sizes contribute to adaptations

III. Measuring Selection and Response to Selection on Continuous Traits

A. Heritability

Class Data Female Wt Female HT

Male Wt Male Ht

Heritability of Female Wt

Heritability of Female Ht

Heritability of Male Wt

Heritability of Male Ht

Conclusions from class data: Distributions of Wts and Hts are roughly normal Distribution indicates that Wts and Hts are likely controlled by many loci, = many loci are segregating alleles that contribute to wt and ht differences among individuals Heritabilities for Ht >> WT 50% >> 30% Interpretation for other human traits??