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Mutation load and rapid adaptation favour outcrossing over self-fertilization

Author

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  • Levi T. Morran

    (Center for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 5289 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-5289, USA)

  • Michelle D. Parmenter

    (Center for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 5289 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-5289, USA)

  • Patrick C. Phillips

    (Center for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 5289 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403-5289, USA)

Abstract

Two good reasons for sex One of the oldest questions in biology is, why are there separate sexes? More animals reproduce by cross-fertilization than by 'selfing', despite the cost of producing males and finding mates. Two advantages of cross-fertilization or outcrossing that could outweigh its cost are commonly suggested: the ability to evolve rapidly and avoidance of inbreeding, but it is hard to test for these experimentally. An experiment in which 'selfing' and 'outcrossing' variants of Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes were subjected to selective pressures now provides a practical test, and both potential standard explanations appear to have a role in promoting outcrossing.

Suggested Citation

  • Levi T. Morran & Michelle D. Parmenter & Patrick C. Phillips, 2009. "Mutation load and rapid adaptation favour outcrossing over self-fertilization," Nature, Nature, vol. 462(7271), pages 350-352, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:462:y:2009:i:7271:d:10.1038_nature08496
    DOI: 10.1038/nature08496
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    Cited by:

    1. Sandhya Adhikari & Gresha Suwal & Binita Suwal & Nisha Bashyal & Roshma Pandey, 2021. "Plant Breeding Approaches For Combating Impact Of Climate Change In Agriculture Production: A Review," Tropical Agroecosystems (TAEC), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 2(1), pages 1-5, January.
    2. Salvatore Ceccarelli, 2014. "GM Crops, Organic Agriculture and Breeding for Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(7), pages 1-14, July.

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