mosaic

mosaic quantifies the mosaic structure of one-dimensional hybrid zones by fitting likelihood-based step-wise models to estimate spatial genetic patchiness.

Key Features:

• Likelihood-based step-wise model fitting: Fits step-wise models to hybrid zone data using a likelihood approach to estimate spatial genetic composition.
• Quantification of mosaicity: Estimates the degree of mosaic structure (patchiness or heterogeneity) within hybrid zones.
• Application to simulated and empirical data: Applies the likelihood method to both simulated datasets and empirical observations for validation and comparison.
• Simulation-based exploration: Uses computer simulations to investigate the roles of dispersal and assortative mating in hybrid zone formation and persistence.
• Selection scenario consideration: Incorporates analyses of frequency-dependent selection and selection against heterozygotes as factors influencing mosaic structure.

Scientific Applications:

• Investigating dispersal and assortative mating: Examines how long-distance dispersal and assortative mating generate and maintain patchy distributions in hybrid zones.
• Analyzing frequency-dependent selection: Studies how assortative mating can reduce mating success of rare males and create positive within-patch frequency-dependent selection.
• Exploring heterozygote disadvantage: Evaluates how selection against heterozygotes can disadvantage rare types and preserve mosaic structure.
• Population genetics and evolutionary biology studies: Provides a framework for testing hypotheses about evolutionary processes stabilizing hybrid zones.

Methodology:

Fits step-wise models via a likelihood-based approach to hybrid zone data and employs computer simulations to investigate dispersal, assortative mating, and selection scenarios.