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Sex and adaptation in a changing environment
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 22:44 authored by David Waxman, Joel R PeckIn this study we consider a mathematical model of a sexual population that lives in a changing environment. We find that a low rate of environmental change can produce a very large increase in genetic variability. This may help to explain the high levels of heritability observed in many natural populations. We also study asexuality and find that a modest rate of environmental change can be very damaging to an asexual population, while leaving a sexual population virtually unscathed. Furthermore, in a changing environment, the advantages of sexuality over asexuality can be much greater than suggested by most previous studies. Our analysis applies in the case of very large populations, where stochastic forces may be neglected.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
GeneticsISSN
0016-6731Publisher
Genetics Society of AmericaPublisher URL
Issue
2Volume
153Page range
1041 - 1053ISBN
0016-6731Department affiliated with
- Biology and Environmental Science Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes