Laurent Excoffier

Speciation genomics researcher, author of the combinatorial theory of speciation and passionate birder Enjoying our latest content? Log in or create an account to continue Access the most recent journalism from Nature's award-winning team Explore the latest features & opinion covering groundbreaking research or References Marques, D. A. et al. PLoS Genet. 12, e1005887 (2016). Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Marques, D. A., Lucek, K., Sousa, V. C., Excoffier, L. & Seehausen, O. Nat. Commun.

Abstract Most species have been through population bottlenecks and range expansions, and the impact of these events on patterns of diversity has been well studied. In particular, it has been shown that initially rare neutral variants could readily fix on the front of range expansions or during bottlenecks, giving genomic signatures looking like selective sweeps.

Abstract Purifying selection is a critical factor in shaping genetic diversity. Current theoretical models only address scenarios of either very weak or strong selection, leaving a significant gap in our knowledge. The effects of purifying selection on patterns of genomic diversity remain poorly understood when selection against deleterious mutations is weak to moderate, particularly when recombination is limited or absent.