Adaptive Evolution of Multiple Traits Through Multiple Mutations at a Single Gene

Abstract

Additive Effects Although specific genes involved in animal coloration have been identified, the underlying selection for genetic variation in color-specific adaptation is not well understood. Examining the Agouti gene and other loci in the deer mice of Nebraska, where predation selects for light-colored mice in light environments and dark-colored mice in dark environments, Linnen et al. (p. 1312 ) find evidence of multiple genetic variants under selection affecting coloration. The light color of Sand Hills mice is not the result of a single large-effect mutation, but is because of many accumulated mutations, each with a smaller phenotypic effect.