Data from: Similarity in G matrix structure among natural populations of Arabidopsis lyrata

Understanding the stability of the G matrix in natural populations is
fundamental for predicting evolutionary trajectories, yet, the extent of
its spatial variation and how this impacts responses to selection remain
open questions. With a nested paternal half-sib crossing design and plants
grown in a field experiment, we examined differences in the genetic
architecture of flowering time, floral display and plant size among four
Scandinavian populations of Arabidopsis lyrata. Using a multivariate
Bayesian framework, we compared the size, shape and orientation of G
matrices and assessed their potential to facilitate or constrain trait
evolution. Flowering time, floral display and rosette size varied among
populations and significant additive genetic variation within populations
indicated potential to evolve in response to selection. Yet, some
characters, including flowering start and number of flowers, may not
evolve independently because of genetic correlations. Using a multivariate
framework, we found few differences in the genetic architecture of traits
among populations. G matrices varied mostly in size rather than shape or
orientation. Differences in multivariate responses to selection predicted
from differences in G were small, suggesting overall matrix similarity and
shared constraints to trait evolution among populations.