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Experimental Evolution with Caenorhabditis Nematodes
- Source :
- Genetics
- Publication Year :
- 2017
- Publisher :
- Genetics Society of America, 2017.
-
Abstract
- The hermaphroditic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been one of the primary model systems in biology since the 1970s, but only within the last two decades has this nematode also become a useful model for experimental evolution. Here, we outline the goals and major foci of experimental evolution with C. elegans and related species, such as C. briggsae and C. remanei, by discussing the principles of experimental design, and highlighting the strengths and limitations of Caenorhabditis as model systems. We then review three exemplars of Caenorhabditis experimental evolution studies, underlining representative evolution experiments that have addressed the: (1) maintenance of genetic variation; (2) role of natural selection during transitions from outcrossing to selfing, as well as the maintenance of mixed breeding modes during evolution; and (3) evolution of phenotypic plasticity and its role in adaptation to variable environments, including host–pathogen coevolution. We conclude by suggesting some future directions for which experimental evolution with Caenorhabditis would be particularly informative.
- Subjects :
- laboratory selection experiments
Evolution and Ecology
standing genetic variation
experimental design
Reproduction
mutation accumulation
reproduction systems
Genetic Variation
adaptation
C. remanei
Adaptation, Physiological
domestication
WormBook
C. elegans
self-fertilization
Caenorhabditis
Animals
C. briggsae
Directed Molecular Evolution
Selection, Genetic
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19432631 and 00166731
- Volume :
- 206
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Genetics
- Accession number :
- edsair.pmid..........5a7500bfec4f3eaa4e3fa303a22eb035