Abstract
NATURAL populations often show extensive genetical diversity for soluble proteins1. It is considered by some that much of this variation has no adaptive value2. In contrast, others consider that natural selection is responsible for shaping the gene pools of populations3–4. Evidence exists for a genetical response to selection through environmental heterogeneity; for example, a positive and almost linear relationship was observed between the extent of the environmental heterogeneity to which laboratory populations of Drosophila willistonii were subjected and the average heterozygosity of an individual5. More recent work with D. pseudoobscura has been interpreted as agreeing with the latter observation6. These results are of interest, as in theory, genetical polymorphism can be maintained within populations living in variable environments, although the conditions for a stable equilibrium are restricted7.
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MINAWA, A., BIRLEY, A. Genetical and environmental diversity in Drosophila melanogaster. Nature 255, 702–704 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/255702a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/255702a0
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