Postdoctoral researcher University of Minnesota, Twin Cities St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Population genetics theory shows that common forms of natural selection should reduce genetic variation through time. Despite this, genetic variation both among and within populations is prevalent in nature. This positions the persistence of natural variation as a puzzling occurrence that requires special explanation. Drawing on examples from my research on natural variation in plant secondary metabolites, I will explore the conditions that predict the erosion of genetic variation by natural selection, and consider whether, when, and how they may be met—or violated—in nature.
