Sexual selection and the accumulation of deleterious mutations [ 2008-01-01 - 2012-03-31 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Associate Professor Katrina McGuigan (Chief Investigator) ,  Associate Professor Katrina McGuigan (Chief Investigator) ,  Prof Mark Blows (Chief Investigator)

Brief description Sexual selection and the accumulation of deleterious mutations. Mutation is the ultimate source of all genetic variation. Understanding the nature of mutation, its frequency, the distribution of effects, and the forces of selection that remove mutational load from populations is therefore a central concern of genetics. The accumulation of mutational load in endangered species and in human populations, where the forces of selection tend not to operate, has the potential to create serious problems. We will determine the efficacy of sexual selection in preventing deleterious mutations from accumulating in populations. This project will provide research training opportunities in quantitative genetics, an enabling discipline in Biology.

Funding Amount $473,500

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects

View this grant in the ARC Data Portal