Recombination Potentials and Evolutionary Rates

Abstract

Simple theoretical models are advanced to test the correlation of recombination potentials and evolutionary divergence under the assumptions that: (1) Recombination potential is positively correlated with evolutionary divergence or (2) recombination potential provides variance about some mean rate of divergence. The models are general but subject to some constraints for valid empirical tests. They lead to distinct predictions about levels of divergence depending on the relationship of recombination and rates of divergence. When mean divergence rates are positively correlated with recombination potentials, the ratio of mean distance between high and low recombination phylads should be greater than one. When variance in divergence rates is positively correlated with recombination potentials, the ratio of variances should also be greater than one. The models may be tested with data from natural populations using a variety of yardsticks to measure evolutionary change. An empirical test of the models' predictions using the limited data presently available is inconsistent with the model that divergence and recombination potentials are correlated. A correlation between variance and recombination potential is observed but speculative for a variety of reasons.