Bridging phylogenetics and population genetics with gene tree models - Chapter 1 - Summary of the protocol

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Gene tree models used in population genetics for studying natural selection can also illuminate how species form. By combining gene tree models with a null model of speciation, a research framework emerges to measure how genetic variation among populations contributes to speciation. The protocol emphasizes empirical sampling: multiple DNA sequences per species across multiple loci. Examples are discussed using Drosophila melanogaster species-complex data.

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Bridging phylogenetics and population genetics with gene tree models

Simplifying the question - building a model

36435-449. u. Editors B.Schierwater G.P.Wagner B.StreitZoologisches Institutder Universitat FrankfurtSiesmayerstr.70D-60054 Frankfurt Department of Biology Yale University 165 Prospect St. New Haven,CT 06511 USA R.DeSalle Department of Entomology American Museum of Natural History 79th Street at Central Park West New York,NY 10024 USA Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Molecular ecology and evolution:approaches and applications /editedby B.Schierwater...[et al.].—(EXS;69) Includes bibliographical references and index,ISBN 3-7643-2942-4(acid-free):ISBN 0-8176-2942-4(U.S.:acid-free) 1.Molecular evolution2.Moecular ecology3.Populationgenetics.I.Schierwater,B.(Bernd),1958-.II.Series.QH371.M721994575-dc20 Deutsche Bibliothek Cataloging-in-Publication Data Molecular ecology and evolution:approaches and applications/ed.by B.Schierwater...-Basel;Boston;Berlin:Birkhäuser,1994(EXS;69) ISBN 3-7643-2942-4(Basel...)ISBN 0-8176-2942-4(Boston)NE:Schierwater,Bernd [Hrsg.] The publisher and editor can give no guarantee for the information on drug dosage andadministration contained in this publication.The respective user must check its accuracy byconsulting other sources of reference in each individual case. The use of registered names,trademarks etc.in this publication,even if not identified as such,does not imply that they are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations or freefor general use. This work is subject to copyright.All rights are reserved,whether the whole or part of thematerial is concerned,specifically the rights of translation,reprinting,re-use of illustrations,recitation,broadcasting,reproduction on microfilms or n other ways,and storage in databanks.For any kind of use permission of the copyright owner must be obtained. 1994 Birkhäuser Verlag,PO Box 133,CH-4010 Basel,SwitzerlandPrinted on acid-free paper produced from chlorine-free pulpCover illustration:A.Ender and B.SchierwaterPrinted in Germany # Bridging phylogenetics and population genetics withgene tree models J.Hey Rutgers University,Nelson Labs,Piscataway,NJ 08855-1059,USA Summary.Current gene tree models,developed and used by population geneticists forresearch on natural selection,can also be used to ask questions about the formation of species.When these gene tree models are joined with a null model of speciation,a research planemerges that shows promise of revealing the extent to which genetic variation betweenpopulations contributes to the formation of species.The empirical element of this researchplan requires that multiple DNA sequences be collected from each of the species investigated,and that these data come from multiple loci.Examples of these models and their applicationto recent data on the Drosophila melanogaster species complex are given. This report outlines an emergent protocol in evolutionary genetics:theapplication of genealogical,population genetic models to the inquiry ofevolutionary forces(e.g.,natural selection,genetic drift,gene flow)associated with the formation of species.On the empirical side theemphasis is on DNA sequence data sets in which multiple sequenceshave been collected from each of two or more species and for multipleloci.The article by Templeton in this volume addresses similar issues. ## Simplifying the question -building a model I willoutline a reductionist population genetic approach to the study ofspeciation that,at its core,draws relatively little from many issues incurrent speciation debates(e.g.,sympatric speciation,genetic architec-tures,reinforcement;see articles in Otte and Endler,1989).Typically,population genetics proceeds by statistical assessments of null models.Despite the fact that these models usually employ manifestly extremeassumptions(e.g.,strict neutrality of mutations,panmixia,constantpopulation size),they have a diverse record,including being highlyexplanatory in some circumstances and being strongly rejected in other

FAQs

How can gene tree models help address questions about speciation?

By joining current gene tree models with a null model of speciation, the approach yields a plan for assessing how genetic variation between populations contributes to species formation.

What empirical data does the proposed research plan require?

Multiple DNA sequences must be collected from each investigated species, and the data should come from multiple loci.

Why does the chapter emphasize a simplification using neutral population genetics?

It uses statistical null models where mutations are assumed neutral and often follows the infinite sites model, making the framework analytically tractable and suitable for testing evolutionary forces.

Sep 15, 2026

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