IS GROUP SELECTION A FACTOR MODULATING THE VIRULENCE OF RNA VIRUSES

RNA viruses consist of populations of extremely high genetic heterogen eity called quasispecies. Based on theoretical considerations, it has been suggested that the unit of selection in such complex genetic popu lations is not the single viral particle but a set of genetically rela ted particles which form the quasispecies. In the present study we car ried out a set of experiments with the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV ) dealing with the evolution of life-history characters under selectio n acting at two factors either in the same or in opposite directions. The two factors at which selective pressure is applied are the individ ual and the group. We show evidence that group selection modulates the virulence of VSV populations, in opposition to an unlimited increase in virulence by competitive optimization promoted by individual select ion. The results are of relevance for understanding the evolution of p arasite virulence.