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Chapter 26: Problem 9

What do you mean by relaxation of selection rules? Discuss the concept in detail.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Relaxation of selection rules refers to a lessening of the natural forces that determine the course of evolution. Such situations can result when changes in environmental conditions or resource availability remove the necessity for specific adaptive traits, leading to less selective pressure. While this can maintain genetic and trait diversity, it may carry risks if conditions change abruptly and species are unprepared.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Relaxation of Selection Rules

In the context of evolutionary biology, selection rules are the forces that determine the course of evolution, based on the environment and the adaptive capabilities of a species. The term 'relaxation of selection rules' refers to a reduction or decrease in the intensity of these forces. In other words, when environmental pressures or the competition for resources is lessened, there may not be as much pressure for a species to adapt, survive, and reproduce, thus 'relaxing' the selection rules.
02

Example of Relaxation of Selection Rules

One example would be changes in environmental conditions. If a particular species of plant evolved in a dry climate, developing mechanisms to survive with little water due to strong selection pressures, the arrival of abundant rain might 'relax' these selection rules. The plants don't need to 'fight' as hard for survival and can still reproduce without those specific adaptations.
03

Implications of Relaxation of Selection Rules

When selection rules are relaxed, species can maintain diversity in genes and traits because there is less pressure to select for specific traits. This can lead to Greater trait variation within a population, as now less optimal traits are not necessarily weeded out by selection pressures. However, if these conditions change, species with relaxed selection rules might find it harder to adapt as they have not been 'forced' to develop survival traits.

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