Brian Charlesworth
2026.3.6EVOLUTION
tlooto Summary
Examination of random genetic drift and temporal fluctuations in fitness on loci maintained by balancing selection suggests ways in which substantial additive variance can be maintained, by causing loci to depart from their equilibria under selection alone.
Abstract
The existence of substantial additive genetic variance in fitness poses a long-standing question for evolutionary geneticists. A new theoretical paper by Connallon & Czuppon examines the effect of random genetic drift and temporal fluctuations in fitness on loci maintained by balancing selection. It suggests ways in which substantial additive variance can be maintained, by causing loci to depart from their equilibria under selection alone.
Citation format
CHARLESWORTH, Brian. How is variation in fitness maintained? EVOLUTION, 2026, 80(5): 1122–1124.