Adaptation dynamics in stressful environments from standing genetic variation in S. cerevisiae

Adaptation, both at the phenotypic and genetic level, is often assumed but rarely observed in real time. Thus, we usually know little about the timing and dynamics of adaptation, and the underlying genetic mechanisms. Here, we use the power of experimental evolution with Baker's yeast and whole population sequencing, to track fitness and genomic changes for 1000 asexual generations in four divergent, stressful environments. Instead of clonal starting conditions, we used outcrossed founder populations containing standing genetic variation.