Abstract
Abstract
The evolution to self‐fertilisation from outcrossing is one of the most frequent transitions in mating strategies. Recurrent self‐fertilisation, and inbreeding in general, is thought to lead to a reduction in adaptive capacities, thus leading selfing lineages down an evolutionary ‘blind alley’. A centenary of empirical and theoretical research studied in which conditions the evolution of self‐fertilisation is associated with a reduction in adaptive potential, notably when adaptation occurs thanks to
de novo
mutations and standing genetic diversity. Recent results suggest that adaptation from de novo mutations is less likely in selfing populations compared to outcrossing ones, while adaptation from standing genetic diversity is at least as likely.
Key Concepts
Adaptation from
de novo
mutations is limited in self‐fertilising populations because of selective interference at other loci.
The quantitative genetics of inbred populations is complex because of the joint inheritance of additive and dominance variances.
Recent models and meta‐analyses have shown that self‐fertilisation does not lead to a reduction of the heritable genetic diversity.
Self‐fertilization is ubiquitous in plants and animals kingdoms, with 70% of angiosperm species self‐fertilizing to some extent.
Self‐fertilization is often described as an evolutionary dead‐end, notably due to limited capacities to adapt to new environmental conditions.