BioConcepts

frequency-dependent selectionfrequenzabhängige Selektion (ger.)

• A form of natural selection in which the fitness of a particular genotype depends on its frequency in the population. (Oxford Dict. of Psychology 2009)
  category selection

  1960

  If we assume that the various genotypes are to some extent occupying various different niches within the general environment, then as a particular genotype becomes more abundant it will tend to “spill over” fromitspreferred niche into others where it is less favored. Thus to some extent, frequency-dependent selective values should be expected on general ecological principles. By now, of course, it is well known that such frequency-dependent selection does exist.

  Lewontin, R.C. & White, M.J.D. (1960). Interaction between inversion polymorphisms of two chromosome pairs in the grasshopper, Moraba scurra. Evolution 14, 116-129: 128; cf. Clarke, B. & O’Donald, P. (1964). Frequency dependent selection. Heredity 19, 201-206; Kojima, K. (1971). Is there a constant fitness value for a given genotype? No! Evolution 25, 281-285; Ayala, F.J. & Campbell, C.A. (1974). Frequency-dependent selection. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 5, 115-138.

  1964

  There are a number of examples of genetic polymorphism in which a balance seems to be maintained, at least in part, by frequency-dependent selection. The selective value of each genotype is then negatively related to its frequency. Mimetic polymorphisms are perhaps the best known examples (Sheppard, 1958), but there is evidence that frequency-dependent selection acts upon other polymorphic systems. It seems that parasites and predators may attack disproportionately many of a common morph, and disproportionately few of a rare one (Haldane, 1954; Clarke, 1962a,b). This has been termed apostatic selection (Clarke, 1962a).

  Clarke, B. (1964). Frequency-dependent selection for the dominance of rare polymorphic genes. Evolution 18, 364-369: 364; cf. Clarke, B. & O’Donald, P. (1964). Frequency dependent selection. Heredity 19, 201-206. 

  1971

  experimental results have been accumulating to support frequency-dependent selection in carefully designed studies

  Kojima, K. (1971). Is there a constant fitness value for a given genotype? No! Evolution 25, 281-285: 281. 

  1982

  frequency-dependent selection Selection occurring in the situation in which the relative fitness of alternative genotypes is related to their frequency of occurrence within a population.

  Lincoln, R.J., Boxshall, G.A. & Clark, P.F. (1982). A Dictionary of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics: 96.