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Dryad

Evolution of physical linkage between loci: simulations output

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Aug 26, 2022 version files 486.15 MB

Abstract

Coupling of multiple barriers to gene-flow, such as divergent local adaptation and reproductive isolation, facilitates speciation. However, alleles at loci that contribute to barrier effects can be dissociated by recombination. Models of linkage between diverging alleles often consider elements that reduce recombination, such as chromosomal inversions and alleles that modify recombination rate between existing loci. In contrast, here we consider the evolution of linkage due to close proximity of loci on the same chromosome. Examples of such physical linkage exist in several species, but in other cases strong associations are maintained without physical linkage. We use an individual-based model to study the conditions under which physical linkage between loci controlling ecological traits and mating preferences might be expected to evolve. We modelled a single locus controlling an ecological trait that acts also as a mating cue. Mating preferences are controlled by multiple loci, formed by mutations that are randomly placed in the “genome”, within varying distances from the ecological trait locus, allowing us to examine which genomic architectures spread across the population.