Population size is weakly related to quantitative genetic variation and trait differentiation in a stream fish.

摘要: How population size influences quantitative genetic variation and differentiation among natural, fragmented populations remains unresolved. Small, isolated might occupy poor quality habitats lose more rapidly due to drift than large populations. Genetic furthermore overcome selection as decreases. Collectively, this result in directional changes additive (VA ) trait (QST from small size. Alternatively, exhibit larger VA QST if habitat fragmentation increases variability types. We explored these alternatives by investigating using nine of brook trout varying 50-fold census N (179-8416) 10-fold effective number breeders, Nb (18-135). Across 15 traits, no evidence was found for consistent differences with almost increased or estimates at This suggests that (i) some species may retain adaptive potential according commonly adopted measures (ii) sizes experience a variety environmental conditions nature, however extremely studies are likely required before any firm conclusions can be made.