Evolutionary genetics: evolution with foresight

Merijn L M Salverda; J Arjan G M de Visser

doi:10.1016/j.cub.2011.04.023

Evolutionary genetics: evolution with foresight

Curr Biol. 2011 May 24;21(10):R398-400. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.04.023.

Authors

Merijn L M Salverda¹, J Arjan G M de Visser

Affiliation

¹ Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.

PMID: 21601801
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2011.04.023

Abstract

Evolution has no foresight, but produces ad hoc solutions by tinkering with available variation. A new study demonstrates how evolution nevertheless prepares organisms for the future by increasing their evolvability.

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Biological / genetics*
Biological Evolution*
Epistasis, Genetic / genetics*
Escherichia coli / genetics*
Genetic Fitness / genetics*
Mutation / genetics
Population Dynamics
Selection, Genetic*