Latent Genetic Effects of Past Selection on Blood Feeding: Why History Matters
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Date
2022
Authors
Kizziar, Piper
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Conventional wisdom is that selection decreases genetic variation in populations, variation that is essential for population persistence in an ever-changing world. Basically, I find the opposite. Response to selection on biting in the pitcher-plant mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii, increases from 20-80%, but reverts back to the original 20% after seven generations of relaxed (not reversed) selection. At the same time, biting in the control line remains at the original 20% through 30 generations without blood feeding. Imposition of selection on biting in both lines elicits a rapid response in the previously selected line, but, importantly, not in the control line. Hence genetic variation for biting has increased, not decreased as a consequence of long-term directional selection, contrary to expectations. In short, history matters.
Description
Keywords
Wyeomyia smithii, selection, mosquito, genetic variation, latent immunity