Challenges and prospects in genome-wide quantitative trait loci mapping of standing genetic variation in natural populations.
A considerable challenge in evolutionary genetics is to understand the genetic mechanisms that facilitate or impede evolutionary adaptation in natural populations. For this, we must understand the genetic loci contributing to trait variation and the selective forces acting on them. The decreased costs and increased feasibility of obtaining genotypic data on a large number of individuals have greatly facilitated gene mapping in natural populations, particularly because organisms whose genetics have been historically difficult to study are now within reach. Here we review the methods available to evolutionary ecologists interested in dissecting the genetic basis of traits in natural populations. Our focus lies on standing genetic variation in outbred populations. We present an overview of the current state of research in the field, covering studies on both plants and animals. We also draw attention to particular challenges associated with the discovery of quantitative trait loci and discuss parallels to studies on crops, livestock, and humans. Finally, we point to some likely future developments in genetic mapping studies.
['Schielzeth|Holger|H|', 'Husby|Arild|A|']
D000818:Animals D002874:Chromosome Mapping D003433:Crosses, Genetic D014644:Genetic Variation D006801:Humans D010944:Plants D011153:Population D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci
quantitative trait loci standing genetic variation complex trait analysis genetic architecture genotype-phenotype map pedigreed wild populations