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Latent Genetic Effects of Past Selection on Blood Feeding: History Matters
- Source :
- Insects, Vol 13, Iss 10, p 939 (2022)
- Publication Year :
- 2022
- Publisher :
- MDPI AG, 2022.
-
Abstract
- Conventional wisdom is that selection decreases genetic variation in populations, variation that should enable and be essential for population persistence in an ever-changing world. Basically, we find the opposite. Response to selection on biting in the pitcher-plant mosquito, Wyeomyia smithii, increases from 20 to 80% in 19 generations, 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. Genetic variation for biting has increased, not decreased, as a consequence of long-term directional selection, contrary to expectations. Convergent phenotypes belie the underlying difference in future adaptive potential. Selection events over time in the background of individuals or populations will determine outcomes of applied research, be it in the fields of medicine, agriculture, or conservation. In short, history matters.
- Subjects :
- Wyeomyia smithii
mosquito
biting behavior
genetic correlation
latent immunity
Science
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13100939 and 20754450
- Volume :
- 13
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Insects
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.b11f56f1eda4a5cb96759227e0a12e8
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100939