Neutralist theory

The neutralist theory is a theory of evolution involving evolution on a molecular scale.

Principle of the neutralist theory

This theory postulates that genetic mutations escape from natural selection and spread independently of natural selection within populations.

Many mutations do not affect proteins and their functions either because they involve non-coding DNA or because they change an amino acid without changing the codon involved. As a result they do not produce either a selective advantage or disadvantage.

These neutral mutations are therefore transmitted by other factors (such as chance) which become as important as natural selection.

The neutralist theory explains part of genetic diversity.