Meeting Abstract

96.3  Monday, Jan. 6 14:00  Identifying the genomic signature of selection using a simulation model FLANAGAN, S.P.*; JONES, A.G.; Texas A and M University sflanagan@bio.tamu.edu

Selection on phenotypic traits is a major driver of evolutionary change, but evolution will only occur if there is a heritable component of selected traits. Understanding the effects of selection on the genome is an important topic in evolutionary biology. However, this can be difficult because selected traits are often the result of many loci and because other processes, such as genetic drift, can obscure the signature of selection. Thus, we are using simulation modeling to generate predictions about the conditions that allow selection to be detected. We have developed an individual-based simulation model, which consists of a population that experiences polygynous mating (sexual selection), mutation, recombination, viability selection, and random survivorship. After the population has reached an equilibrium (after running the model for about 5000 generations), a random sample of the population for several generations is collected, differentiating between adults and offspring. Comparisons of allele frequencies between adults and offspring allow the signature of selection to be detected. The conditions under which this signature is detectable will be discussed, as well as the consequences of these findings for empirical research in natural populations.