Fitness-associated recombination on rugged adaptive landscapes

J Evol Biol. 2003 Sep;16(5):862-70. doi: 10.1046/j.1420-9101.2003.00586.x.

Abstract

A negative correlation between fitness and recombination rates seems to exist in various organisms. In this article we suggest that a correlation of that kind may play an important role in the evolution of complex traits. We study the effects of such fitness-associated recombination (FAR) in a simple two-locus deterministic model, as well as in a multi-loci NK rugged adaptive landscape. In both models studied, FAR results in faster adaptation and higher average population fitness, compared with uniform-rate recombination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Environment*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Population Dynamics