Evolution of Quantitative Traits - Lecture Notes

Flashcards created from lecture notes on the evolution of quantitative traits, focusing on selection patterns, heritability, and trait correlation.

What was the average diameter of the tomatoes grown by the farm in the lecture notes?

20 ± 2 cm

What is the heritability (h2) value mentioned for tomato size?

0.93

What strong selection coefficient (s) is mentioned in the lecture for selecting big tomatoes?

0.5

How does the Breeder's Equation express the selection response?

Δz = h2S

What term describes the type of selection that favors extreme phenotypes at both ends of the phenotypic spectrum?

Diversifying or Disruptive Selection

Which trait was used to estimate the fitness function in horned lizards?

Horn length

What kind of selection is indicated by the phenomenon where individuals with intermediate traits have higher fitness?

Stabilizing Selection

How does the phenotypic distribution change when influenced by many loci?

It becomes smoother.

What evolutionary outcome is associated with directional selection on one trait that can also lead to changes in another trait?

Correlated response.

What is the significance of the Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL)?

QTL can be mapped by associating phenotypic variation with DNA polymorphisms.

What rapid behavioral evolution was exhibited by silver foxes through selective breeding?

Tame or aggressive behavior.

In the context of the notes, how is 'natural selection' described in relation to trait fitness?

It can have different effects on fitness across character values.

What does a GWAS study stand for and what was it associated with in the notes?

Genome-Wide Association Study, associated with schizophrenia in East Asia.

How long did it take for oil content in corn kernels to increase through artificial selection, according to the notes?

Over 107 generations.

What was highlighted as a source of evolutionary trade-offs observed in the partridge pea?

A negative genetic correlation between leaf number and reproductive stage.