Article Abstract:
Advances in effectiveness of genetic markers used to resolve family structure in insect societies have brought studies that have tested predictions and they are discussed in this short review article. Results suggest that workers often control sex allocation, which supports the idea that kin selection is a major evolutionary force. That brings new conflicts to light. Studies now address selection for selfishness at the individual level with costs of social disruption at the colony level. Social insects are examples of how some individuals may be selected to not reproduce, only helping others reproduce.
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Article Abstract:
Microsatellite variation in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) has been studied to investigate genetic structure and history of the Baltic Sea population. The population was compared to an Arctic reference population. Within the Baltic Sea no differentiation was found between the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia breeding areas. Population decline and split that have occurred recently have not affected inbreeding levels of the disjunct breeding stocks.
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Article Abstract:
Large patches rather than isolation by distance has been seen in study of genetic structure of Siberian lemmings in a continuous habitat. Populations that had not yet reached an equilibrium structure after a major mixing event were studied.
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