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Re: Daphnia Generations
Hi, Kim,
Thanks for your interesting response. You said, in part,
>> A yearly cycle might produce 25-50 asexual generations and only 1 sexual
generation. Some clones would be better adapted than others and would be
present in greater numbers when the sexual cycle begins and would contribute
more to the new generation than the poorly adapted clones. >>
Since the clones are almost identical genitically to their mother, I'd think
that it would be difficult for any to become better adapted, barring a
mutation.
It would seem that the only adaptions could take place in the offspring of
the once-a-year mating rite and even then, the males would also have the
genetic characteristics of their mothers and could well mate with their
clones or a close relative. From that it would seem that adaption through
genetic selection would be a very slow process at best.
I wonder if any work has been done to see how well daphnia adapt to different
environments and pass this adaption on to future generations?
Good luck!
Bill