Post-colonial human admixture and natural selection: disentangling signals in complex demographic contexts

Abstract

Natural selection and admixture are defining population genetic features of modern human populations, yet their interaction has only recently emerged as a major focus in human evolutionary genomics. While the influence of natural selection on population structure and trait diversity is well established, the ways in which selective pressures operate after admixture have historically received far less attention. In this review, we synthesise the latest progress in understanding post-admixture selection and highlight case studies that illustrate how novel environments, pathogen exposure, dietary shifts and socio-historical transformations have driven genomic adaptation. We conclude by identifying key gaps that remain in the field with the aim of motivating future research and facilitating new insights into how admixture and selection jointly shape human diversity.