10.5061/DRYAD.M37PVMCXZ
Holand, Håkon
0000-0001-9530-7096
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Kvalnes, Thomas
0000-0002-3088-7891
Uppsala University
Røed, Knut
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Holand, Øystein
Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Sæther, Bernt-Erik
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Kumpula, Jouko
Natural Resources Institute Finland
Data from: Stabilizing selection and adaptive evolution in a combination
of two traits in an arctic ungulate
Dryad
dataset
2020
breeding values
individual fitness
2020-11-20T00:00:00Z
2020-11-20T00:00:00Z
en
605029 bytes
4
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Stabilizing selection is thought to be common in wild populations and act
as one of the main evolutionary mechanisms which constrain phenotypic
variation. When multiple traits interact to create a combined phenotype,
correlational selection may be an important process driving adaptive
evolution. Here we report on phenotypic selection and evolutionary changes
in two natal traits in a semi-domestic population of reindeer (Rangifer
tarandus) in northern Finland. The population has been closely monitored
since 1969, and detailed data has been collected on individuals since they
were born. Over the length of the study period (1969 - 2015), we found
directional and stabilizing selection towards a combination of earlier
birth date and heavier birth mass with an intermediate optimum along the
major axis of the selection surface. In addition, we demonstrate
significant changes in mean traits towards earlier birth date and heavier
birth mass, with corresponding genetic changes in breeding values during
the study period. Our results demonstrate evolutionary changes in a
combination of two traits which agree closely with estimated patterns of
phenotypic selection. Knowledge of the selective surface for combinations
of genetically correlated traits are vital to predict how population mean
phenotypes and fitness are affected when environments change.