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The first steps in adaptive evolution

The first empirical test of an evolutionary theory provides support for a mutational landscape model underlying the process of adaptation. The study shows that it is possible to predict at least the first step in an adaptive walk and also shows the importance of incorporating mutation bias in the fitness effects of mutations.

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Figure 1: A model bacteriophage takes its first adaptive step on a fitness landscape.

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Bull, J., Otto, S. The first steps in adaptive evolution. Nat Genet 37, 342–343 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0405-342

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