The effect of population structure on the rate of evolution

What is it about?

The most elemental processes of evolution hold surprises. It is known that in populations with a "hub and spokes" network structure, the probability of a rare mutant spreading is increased, effectively amplifying selection. Yet the same structure that makes a takeover more likely also slows it down, substantially. This leads us to reconsider the rate of evolution.

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Why is it important?

The rate of evolution is typically deduced from three factors: mutation rate, population size, and the probability that a new mutant takes over. We argue that it also matters how long the mutant takes to do so, and that this depends on population structure.