Arlin StoltzfusDec 9, 2022

How could we make difficult concepts like constructive neutral evo accessible to a broad audience? Here worm trans-splicing expert Jonathan Pettitt (winner of Haldane prize for sci comm) tackles the #popgen of drift and CNE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dzoGb-jcW4&feature=youtu.be

What Darwin won't tell you about evolution - with Jonathan Pettitt

YouTube
Show threadrsp

@arlin Can this be summarized by saying that mutation + genetic drift creates traits that may later be maintained by positive selection?

#NaturalSelection, #Darwinism, #GeneticDrift, #NeutralEvolution

Dec 9, 2022 at 5:26pmWeb
Show threadArlin StoltzfusDec 9, 2022
@rspfau Anything that contributes to making traits is contributing to traits that could be subject to selection, so that part seems gratuitous. I think it is enough to say that complexity can emerge via mut and drift (in the context of negative selection)
Show threadErik SvenssonDec 15, 2022

@rspfau Yes, constructive neutral evolution can indeed give rise to complex traits that are subsequently maintained by purifying selection. I briefly discuss this in this forthcoming book chapter:

https://ecoevorxiv.org/repository/view/4002/

The structure of evolutionary theory: Beyond Neo-Darwinism, Neo-Lamarckism and biased historical narratives about the Modern Synthesis