Genetics of Brassica campestris. 1. Genetic constraints on evolution of life-history characters

Abstract

Examines the genetic basis of the relationship between timing and magnitude of reproduction by selecting to change flowering date and plant size in each of 4 directions (early and large, late and large, early and small, or late and small). There is a strong positive relationship between flowering date and flowering height. The response to selection was greatest along the axis of positive genetic covariation. Populations may evolve to become early flowering and small or late flowering and tall, but there is little response for the alternative combinations of characters. -from Authors