Unravelling the factors of evolutionary repeatability: insights and perspectives on predictability in evolutionary biology

• DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2024.1335452
• Publication Date: 2024-04-23T13:51:13Z
• Authors: Stella M. Pearless; Nikki E. Freed
• Keywords: Predictability; Human evolutionary genetics; Evolutionary physiology; Experimental Evolution

Evolutionary biology was previously considered a historical science with predictions about evolutionary trajectories believed to be near impossible. The development of high throughput sequencing and data analysis technologies has challenged this belief, provided an abundance that yields novel insights into processes. are now increasingly being used develop fundamental knowledge evolving systems and/or demonstrate control. Here we investigate the factors make repeatability more or less likely increase accuracy predictions. We identify outstanding questions provide potential starting point determine how is affected by genetic relatedness.