Data from: Strong selection is poorly aligned with genetic variation in Ipomoea hederacea

The multivariate evolution of populations is the result of the
interactions between natural selection, drift, and the underlying genetic
structure of the traits involved. Covariances among traits bias responses
to selection, and the multivariate axis which describes the greatest
genetic variation is expected to be aligned with patterns of divergence
across populations. An exception to this expectation is when selection
acts on trait combinations lacking genetic variance, which limits
evolutionary change. Here we used a common garden field experiment of
individuals from 57 populations of Ipomoea hederacea to characterize
linear and nonlinear selection on five quantitative traits in the field.
We then formally compare patterns of selection to previous estimates of
within-population genetic covariance structure (the G-matrix) and
population divergence in these traits. We found that selection is poorly
aligned with previous estimates of genetic covariance structure and
population divergence. In addition, the trait combinations favoured by
selection were generally lacking genetic variation, possessing
approximately 15-30% as much genetic variation as the most variable
combination of traits. Our results suggest that patterns of population
divergence are likely the result of the interplay between adaptive
responses, correlated response, and selection favoring traits lacking
genetic variation.