Fisher–Wright controversy

E765770

The Fisher–Wright controversy was a foundational debate in population genetics between R.A. Fisher and Sewall Wright over the relative importance of natural selection, genetic drift, and population structure in evolution.

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Predicate Object
instanceOf debate in population genetics
scientific controversy
about deterministic versus stochastic processes in evolution
mathematical models of gene frequency change
mechanisms of evolutionary change
relative importance of natural selection and genetic drift
role of population structure in evolution
characterizedBy contrasting views on optimal population structure for adaptation
contrasting views on role of chance in evolution
disagreements over interpretation of mathematical models
long-running exchange in scientific literature
contributedTo modern evolutionary synthesis NERFINISHED
documentedIn historical analyses of population genetics
scientific papers by Ronald A. Fisher
scientific papers by Sewall Wright
endTime 1950s
field population genetics
hasPart debate over adaptive landscapes
debate over genetic drift
debate over large versus small population size in evolution
debate over natural selection
debate over panmixia versus population subdivision
debate over population structure
debate over role of random sampling in evolution
debate over shifting balance theory
historicalContext development of mathematical population genetics in early 20th century
formation of the modern synthesis of evolutionary theory
impact clarified distinction between selection and drift
shaped later debates on neutral theory of molecular evolution
stimulated development of new population genetic models
influenced concept of effective population size
development of adaptive landscape metaphor
evolutionary biology
interpretation of genetic drift
theoretical population genetics
mainParticipants Ronald Aylmer Fisher NERFINISHED
Sewall Wright NERFINISHED
positionOfRonaldFisher downplayed long-term importance of genetic drift
emphasized large, panmictic populations
emphasized natural selection as primary evolutionary force
positionOfSewallWright emphasized importance of genetic drift
emphasized population subdivision and structure
proposed shifting balance theory of evolution
relatedConcept adaptive landscape
genetic drift
natural selection
population structure
shifting balance theory
startTime 1920s

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shifting balance theory associatedWithDebate Fisher–Wright controversy