Comparison of genetic differentiation at marker loci and quantitative traits

摘要: The comparison of the degree differentiation in neutral marker loci and genes coding quantitative traits with standardized equivalent measures genetic (FST QST, respectively) can provide insights into two important but seldom explored questions evolutionary genetics: (i) what is relative importance random drift directional natural selection as causes population traits, (ii) does divergence predict traits? Examination data from 18 independent studies plants animals using both standard statistical meta-analytical methods revealed a number interesting points. First, (QST) typically exceeds that observed (FST), suggesting prominent role for accounting patterns trait among contemporary populations. Second, FST – QST difference more pronounced allozyme markers morphological than other kinds molecular life-history traits. Third, very few reveal situations were QST < FST, pressures, hence optimal phenotypes, different populations same species are unlikely to be often similar. Fourth, there strong correlation between QST FST indices across (r=0.81), microsatellite (r=0.87) combined (r=0.75) data, closely predictive However, these interpretations subject assumptions about used derive estimates sets