Coevolution of self-fertilization and inbreeding depression. II: Symmetric overdominance in viability (Q1182788)

The aim of this second part [for part I see the preceding review] on the evolution of breeding systems with partial selfing and partial outcrossing is the study of a modifier of selfing evolving in response to inbreeding depression due to overdominance in viability at a single locus in a diploid population. It turns out that the simultaneous evolution of loci controlling selfing and viability differs essentially from expectations obtained by ignoring the coevolutionary effects. The favoured heterozygous genotype at the viability locus develops positive associations with modifier alleles that enhance outcrossing. Consequently, overdominant viability loci situated anywhere in the genome can promote the evolution of outcrossing. Further, stable mixed mating systems can arise under intermediate intensities of viability selection.