The Modeled Effects of Gametophytic Self-Incompatibility and Localized Gene Dispersal on Population Substructure
Abstract
This study examines the effects of gametophytic self-incompatibility
and localized gene dispersal on population
substructure. The variation in population substructure is
calculated using a value of genetic differentiation, GST. The
effects on population substructure are modeled using a computer
simulation. This computer model calculates GST values. In
comparing these values I have shown that the gametophytic self-incompatibility
system substantially lowers the genetic
differentiation of a population. I have also shown that this
lowering of genetic differentiation is amplified with interdemic
gene dispersal. The self-incompatibility system also increases
the probability that mutations will survive in the population.
These effects decrease the rate of inbreeding in the population,
thereby increasing the genetic variation within a subpopulation
and decreasing the genetic variation in the total population.