dominant genes

[S. LAURA ADAMKEWICZ]

On 4 Jan 1995, Henry T Robertson wrote:

> Hello, is there a reason why some traits are dominant rather than recessive?
> Are dominant genes better suited for the environment?  If so, is there
> a logical reason why they became dominant genes?
> 
> Your e-mail replies appreciated.  
> 
> 
> 
Sir Ronald Fisher analyzed this problem thoroughly back in the early days 
of population genetics.  You should read his discussion of the evolution 
of dominance in "The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection" first 
published in 1929 but pretty constantly in print for many years and 
available in most libraries.  Absent any molecular knowledge, Fisher 
still perceived that dominance will evolve and that different 
pleiotrophic aspects of the same genotype will evolve different 
dominance.  Experimental work has always supported Fisher's view.

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  (=)  Dr. Laura Adamkewicz           (=)
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