Modifiers of mutation rate: Evolutionary optimum with complete selfing

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Abstract
For infinite random mating populations in a constant environment, natural selection will presumably favor genotypes at a neutral modifier locus that minimize the mutation rate. Mathematical modeling of this proces confirms this assertion, independent of the selection regime. The same model under conditions of complete selfing can produce, under certain nondegenerate overdominance conditions, an optimum mutation rate below which increased mutation is favored and above which decreased mutation is favored. This occurs with unidirectional mutation models and a class of reversible mutation models with fitness overdominance. This is the first time that such a modifier optimum was produced analytically for an infinite population in a constant environment.