Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection

Introduction to Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection

Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection is a mathematical theorem that describes the rate of increase in fitness resulting from natural selection. The formula is represented as Fitness increase = heritability (h) × selection coefficient (s). In this formula, h represents the heritability of a trait, which is a measure of how much of the variation in the trait is genetic, and s represents the selection coefficient, which measures the relative reduction in the fitness of a genotype. The result represents the rate of increase in fitness due to natural selection.

Parameter usage:

• h = heritability of a trait (0 to 1)
• s = selection coefficient (greater than 0)

Output:

• Fitness increase = rate of increase in fitness due to natural selection

Data validation

The heritability should be between 0 and 1, and the selection coefficient should be greater than 0.

Summary

This theorem provides an important theoretical framework for understanding the role of genetics and natural selection in driving evolutionary change.