The genomic mutation rate for fitness in Drosophila

Article Abstract:

The fly Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) produces new mutations per haploid genome at a rate of about 0.42 for viability. This finding bears out the theory that breeding systems and mate choice evolve through a high rate of per-genome mutations to harmful alleles. D. melanogaster's mutation rate was obtained through experiments on 50 wild-type second chromosomes from a laboratory fly population. The mutation rate was calculated from the mean number of new mutations developing in each generation combined with the average homozygous effect of a new mutation of minor effect or effects.

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Species and speciation

Article Abstract:

J.A. Coyne wrongly asserted that neodarwinism includes allopatric evolution but not sympatric evolution. Allopatric evolution occurs among geographically isolated populations, whereas sympatric evolution occurs within one species' entire population. Both are neodarwinian since each results from natural selection of genetic variation. Also, Coyne failed to recognize that the molecular models used to illustrate how genetic changes bring on speciation are most useful when researchers acknowledge that both inherited epigenetic and genetic changes affect speciation.

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Genes lost during evolution

Article Abstract:

Issues are presented concerning the independent gene loss in multiple lineages which occurred during the evolution of the vertebrate lineage in addition to the horizontal transfer of genes from bacteria.

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