Selection for recombination in a polygenic model – the mechanism

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Abstract
Summary: A polygenic model has been simulated in order to reveal the process whereby selection in an infinite population can lead to an increase in the frequency of alleles causing higher rates of recombination (CHalleles). Directional selection generates repulsion linkage disequilibrium (+ − + −), which is less strong inCHgametes (gametes carryingCHalleles). In consequence,CHgametes contribute greater phenotypic variability, and therefore respond more to directional selection: that is, they accumulate more selectively favoured alleles.CHalleles then increase in frequency by hitch-hiking. In contrast, normalizing selection, or frequent changes in the direction of selection, favour alleles for a low recombination rate.