Spatial arrangement of genetic variation in the marine bivalve <i>Macoma balthica</i> (L.)

Phenotypic similarities come in two kinds: those that are partially based on genetic differences and those that are not. Genetic variation is inherently heritable and without it, evolution by means of natural selection could not occur. It is therefore important to understand the origin and maintenance of heritable genetic variation. The main theme of the research presented here is non-random spatial arrangement of genetic variation. Spatially differentiated genetic variation has two sides, it can maintain variation for selection and it can also be the result of selection. ... Zie: Summar