as explained above. On the other hand,
the many mutations with minor effects on ADL (i.e. nearly neutral mutations)
are expected to exist in the wild. While mutant prevalence
data for mammals are generally unavailable, this expectation can be
partly confirmed by the observation of natural variations in the nearly
neutral sites 8, 28, 66, and 144 of WT sequences of various whales,
seals and sea-lions (see Tables S4 and S5 in the supporting information).
Future sequencing of many individuals of seals would be able
to cast further light on nearly-neutral mutations prevailing because
they do not impair ADL.