Open AccessThe Neutral Theory in Light of Natural Selection
Author(s) -
Andrew D. Kern,
Matthew W. Hahn
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
molecular biology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.637
H-Index - 218
eISSN - 1537-1719
pISSN - 0737-4038
DOI - 10.1093/molbev/msy092
Subject(s) - biology , natural selection , universality (dynamical systems) , explanatory power , evolutionary biology , neutral theory of molecular evolution , adaptive evolution , perspective (graphical) , selection (genetic algorithm) , epistemology , genetics , artificial intelligence , gene , computer science , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics
In this perspective, we evaluate the explanatory power of the neutral theory of molecular evolution, 50 years after its introduction by Kimura. We argue that the neutral theory was supported by unreliable theoretical and empirical evidence from the beginning, and that in light of modern, genome-scale data, we can firmly reject its universality. The ubiquity of adaptive variation both within and between species means that a more comprehensive theory of molecular evolution must be sought.
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