Before revision: The evolution of genetic systems has been studied through the use of modifier gene models, in which a selectively neutral gene controls genetic transmission of other genes under selection. Analytical studies to obtain a general understanding of the dynamics have faced tradeoffs between different features for tractability. No study has been able to obtain results for arbitrary selection on multiple loci undergoing multiple genetic transformation events. Here techniques from Karlin (1982) are applied to a multilocus model of mutation with multivariate control over mutation rates, and the reduction principle is found to operate.
After revision: A model of mutation rate evolution for multiple loci under arbitrary selection is analyzed. Results are obtained using techniques from Karlin (1982) are applied to a multilocus model of mutation with multivariate control over mutation rates, and the reduction principle is found to operate.