Gametic selection and the selection component analysis

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The selection component analysis developed by Christiansen & Frydenberg (1973, 1976) is a method to study the components of natural selection and is based on an analysis of population samples which include mothers and their progeny (mother–offspring combinations). Because only one progeny per mother–offspring combination is analysed, gametic selection and the reproductive components of selection in males are poorly characterized. We investigated the information which can be gained by analysing all progeny in each combination and showed that analysis of entire litters enables detection of gametic selection. Testing and estimation procedures are derived for this purpose. Sexual selection in males and mate preferences remain poorly characterized because the only information about the reproductive components in males is contained in the sample of male gametes and is insufficient to reconstruct the breeding structure of the male population. The format and interpretation of a selection component analysis is presented which takes these results into account.