Genetic population divergence: markers and traits

Journal

In a recent review in TREE , McKay and Latta survey the literature for studies examining adaptive population divergence using molecular markers (F_st) and quantitative genetic trait variation (Q_st). Although their paper dealt primarily with theoretical considerations, the authors also presented a large data set in an attempt to elucidate patterns that exist in nature. They show that Q_st is on average larger than F_st and that, across studies, the relationship between Q_st and F_st is weak. This last result is in contrast to our review of the literature where we show a strong positive relationship between Q_st and F_st. We believe that this discrepancy stems from several errors made by the authors.