Adaptive Divergence Versus Gene Flow in the Wild: Evaluation in Trinidadian Guppy Populations

本研究探讨基因流动(种群间的基因交换)对生物多样性进化的影响。研究人员将首先为面临不同环境条件(高捕食性和低捕食性)的特立尼达孔雀鱼野生种群的适应性特征(例如，形态、颜色模式、生活史)和基因流动的多样性背景模式进行记录。然后，研究人员将对选定种群之间的基因流动速度进行实验操作，以评估关于基因流动对适应性特征变异的影响的理论预测。基因流动在野外是普遍存在的，但人类的活动已经广泛地改变了基因流动和适应的自然模式。越来越多的理论表明，基因流动可能对适应的持久性产生重大影响，从而对生物多样性的进化和保护具有重要意义。不幸的是，目前大多数将基因流与适应性特征变异联系在一起的理论在很大程度上仍未在自然种群中得到验证(特别是对于与适应性最密切相关的特征)。这项拟议的研究将检验这一理论，从而帮助开发出管理受干扰系统中的基因流动的稳健策略。它还将建立在一个越来越受欢迎的案例研究的基础上，在课堂上教授进化论。

This research investigates the impact of gene flow (genetic exchange among populations) on the evolution of biological diversity. The investigators will first document background patterns of diversity in adaptive traits (e.g., morphology, color pattern, life history) and gene flow for wild populations of Trinidadian guppies that face different environmental conditions (high vs. low predation). The investigators will then perform an experimental manipulation of the rate of gene flow between selected populations in order to evaluate theoretical predictions about the impact of gene flow on variation in adaptive traits. Gene flow is pervasive in the wild, but the activities of humans have extensively altered natural patterns of gene flow and adaptation. A growing body of theory suggests that gene flow may have substantial implications for the persistence of adaptation and hence for the evolution and preservation of biological diversity. Unfortunately, most current theory relating gene flow to adaptive trait variation remains largely untested in natural populations (particularly for the traits most closely related to fitness). The proposed research will test this theory and thus help develop robust strategies for managing gene flow in disturbed systems. It will also build on an increasingly popular case study for teaching evolution in classrooms.