SNUFFING MUTATIONS. “If a beneficial or deleterious mutation occurs only after reproduction has ceased, then it will not affect fitness (reproductive success) and can therefore not be efficiently selected for or against. However, even if a mutation occurs earlier, say during the reproductive period, its effects may not be visible to selection since, if extrinsic, environmentally imposed mortality is high, individuals that could express the mutation are likely to be dead already.”
http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/the-evolution-of-aging-23651151
linkedin post 2022-06-29 05:12:48
Nigel Fleming
September 21, 2022