Genetic and evolutionary consequences of metapopulation structure

Extinction and recolonization of populations may have various effects on the degree and distribution of genetic variation, but turnover is generally associated with low levels of among-population variation, in both ‘classical’ and other types of metapopulation. Therefore, adaptive evolution is unlikely to be promoted by selection among populations. Whether adaptation is promoted or slowed by population subdivision, with or without turnover, remains a subject of theoretical debate.