The evolution of hybrid fitness during speciation

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008125
• Publication Date: 2019-05-06T17:52:37Z
• Authors: Andrius J. Dagilis; Mark Kirkpatrick; Daniel I. Bolnick
• Keywords: Reproductive isolation; Genetic algorithm; Epistasis

The evolution of postzygotic reproductive isolation is an important component speciation. But before complete there sometimes a phase heterosis in which hybrid fitness exceeds that the two parental species. genetics and have typically been studied isolation, precluding development unified theory Here, we develop model incorporates both positive negative gene interactions, accounts for isolation. We parameterize with recent data on effects 10,000 mutations yeast, singly pairwise epistatic combinations. makes novel predictions about types interactions contribute to declining fitness. reproduce patterns familiar from earlier models speciation (e.g. Haldane's Rule Darwin's Corollary) identify new mechanisms may underlie these patterns. Our approach provides general framework integrating experimental interaction networks into genetic