On the nature of intraspecific genetic variability: Evidence against the ruling paradigm
Empirical evidence is presented which contradicts the established interpretation of the intraspecific genetic variability as the adaptive potential of the species: the uniform evolutionary tempo across the life kingdom, species discreteness, and absence of correlation between genetic variability and prosperity of extant species testify against the ruling paradigm. Consistent interpretation of the nature of intraspecific genetic variability is based on recognizing the limited sensitivity of stabilising selection, which allows for accumulation and persistence in the population of a considerable amount of mutational substitutions, which, to some degree, erase the meaningful genetic information of the species. The proposed interpretation also provides solution to the inbreeding paradox in the invasive species.