2012/02/16 by Renxue Wang, Wang, Renxue
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Computer Science · Medicine · #Evolution and Genetic Dynamics #FOS: Biological sciences #Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models #Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation #Populations and Evolution (q-bio.PE)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1202.3690
openalex publication_date 2012/02/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The ability of genetic isolation to block gene flow plays a key role in the speciation of sexually reproducing organisms. This paper analyses the hybrid zone dynamics affected by "weak" Haldane's rule, namely the incomplete hybrids inferiority (sterility/inviability) against the heterogametic (XY or ZW) sex caused by a Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibility. Different strengths of incompatibility, dispersal and density-dependent regulation are considered; and the gene flow and clinal structures of allele frequencies in the presence of short-range dispersal (the stepping-stone model) are examined. I show that a weak heterogametic hybrid incompatibility could constitute a substantial barrier that could reduce gene flow and result in non-coincident and discordant clines of alleles. It is found that the differential gene flow is more pronounced under a stronger density-dependent regulation. This study provides a mechanistic explanation for how an adaptive mutation, which may only have a marginal fitness effect, could set a gene up as an evolutionary hot-spot.