Natural Selection Fails to Optimize Mutation Rates for Long-Term Adaptation on Rugged Fitness Landscapes

2008/09/25 by Jeff Clune, Dusan Misevic, Charles Ofria +3 · 4 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Social Sciences · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Evolution and Genetic Dynamics #Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation #Animal Behavior and Reproduction

paper · pdf · doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000187

openalex publication_date 2008/09/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

The rate of mutation is central to evolution. Mutations are required for adaptation, yet most mutations with phenotypic effects are deleterious. As a consequence, the mutation rate that maximizes adaptation will be some intermediate value.

Citations

• Evolution of digital organisms at high mutation rates leads to survival of the flattest
• SPONTANEOUS MUTATORS IN BACTERIA: Insights into Pathways of Mutagenesis and Repair
• Selective pressures on genomes in molecular evolution

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