On the methods for predicting the effective size of populations under selection

Abstract

Inconsistencies between equations for the effective population size under selection obtained by two different approaches are explained. In one approach, the effective population size is predicted from the drift in the frequency of a neutral allele, accounting for the accumulation of selective advantage over generations. The second approach is based on the rate of inbreeding, using the concept of long-term genetic contributions. It is shown that the long-term genetic contribution approach leads to an identical result to the drift approach, if the effect of mates on the long-term genetic contributions is correctly accounted for.