Abstract
A key step in understanding the genetic basis of different evolutionary
outcomes (e.g., adaptation) is to determine the roles played by
different mutation types. To do this we must simultaneously consider
different mutation types in an evolutionary framework. Here we propose a
research framework that directly utilizes the most important
characteristics of mutations, their population genetic effects, to
determine their relative evolutionary significance. We review known
population genetic effects of different mutation types and show how
these may be connected to different evolutionary outcomes. We provide
examples of how to implement this framework and pinpoint areas where
more data, theory and synthesis are needed. Linking experimental and
theoretical approaches to examine different mutation types
simultaneously is a critical step towards understanding their
evolutionary significance.