Evolutionary constraints and stasis
While heritability has long been used to predict response to selection, evidence has accumulated that this estimate of evolutionary potential often leads to predictions that are not matched by observed evolutionary responses in the wild. This suggests that heritability can be an overly simplified estimate of evolutionary potential. I am mainly interested on two aspects of genetic architecture that can strongly affect evolutionary responses: (1) indirect genetic effects (IGEs) where genes of an individual affect the phenotype of another individual and (2) genetic correlations between traits (G matrix).
However, this is not only about genetic constraints: strength and direction of selection is fundamental. I'm also interested in factors that shape selection pressures.
However, this is not only about genetic constraints: strength and direction of selection is fundamental. I'm also interested in factors that shape selection pressures.
Recent highlight
Selection on skewed characters and the paradox of stasis. 2017. S Bonamour, C Teplitsky, A Charmantier, PA Crochet, LM Chevin. Evolution.
Skewed distribution of breeding values may generate directional selection even at equilibrium, hence potentially contributing to the paradox of stasis (selection*heritability => no response to selection).
Selection on skewed characters and the paradox of stasis. 2017. S Bonamour, C Teplitsky, A Charmantier, PA Crochet, LM Chevin. Evolution.
Skewed distribution of breeding values may generate directional selection even at equilibrium, hence potentially contributing to the paradox of stasis (selection*heritability => no response to selection).
Patterns of genetic architecture
Patterns of genetic architecture may help us 1) understand the stability of evolutionary constraints and 2) assess whether evolutionary trajectories are repeatable and predictable among species.
These aspects are mainly investigated through comparison of G matrices among bird populations.
These aspects are mainly investigated through comparison of G matrices among bird populations.
Recent highlights
Conserved G-matrices of morphological and life-history traits among continental and island blue tit populations. 2017. B. Delahaie, A. Charmantier, S.Chantepie, D. Garant, M. Porlier, and C. Teplitsky. Heredity 119: 76-87.
Theory predicts that G matrix will align with selection. Here we show that populations in contrasted habitats and under divergent selection still display the same genetic architecture when looking at life history traits and morphology. This paper also presents the first significant estimate of heritability of incubation time in a wild population.
Does habitat specialization shape theevolutionary potential of wild bird populations? 2017. Martinossi-Allibert I, Clavel J, Ducatez S, Le Viol I & Teplitsky C. J. Avian. Biol. 48: 1158-1165.
Specialist species are expected to undergo more constant selection and thus display lower evolutionary potential than generalist species. Using published estimates of heritability for different traits in birds, we found no difference in heritability between specialist and generalists. Several caveats are discussed.
Conserved G-matrices of morphological and life-history traits among continental and island blue tit populations. 2017. B. Delahaie, A. Charmantier, S.Chantepie, D. Garant, M. Porlier, and C. Teplitsky. Heredity 119: 76-87.
Theory predicts that G matrix will align with selection. Here we show that populations in contrasted habitats and under divergent selection still display the same genetic architecture when looking at life history traits and morphology. This paper also presents the first significant estimate of heritability of incubation time in a wild population.
Does habitat specialization shape theevolutionary potential of wild bird populations? 2017. Martinossi-Allibert I, Clavel J, Ducatez S, Le Viol I & Teplitsky C. J. Avian. Biol. 48: 1158-1165.
Specialist species are expected to undergo more constant selection and thus display lower evolutionary potential than generalist species. Using published estimates of heritability for different traits in birds, we found no difference in heritability between specialist and generalists. Several caveats are discussed.