Final answer:
Selection differential calculates the difference between selected individuals and the average population in a specific trait. To calculate it, collect data on the population, identify selected individuals, calculate their mean value and the mean value of the entire population, and subtract the two.
Step-by-step explanation:
Selection differential is a measure used to quantify the difference between the selected individuals and the average individuals in a population. It is calculated by subtracting the average value of the selected individuals from the average value of the entire population. For example, if we are measuring the selection differential of height in a population, we would calculate the mean height of the selected individuals (e.g., tallest 10%) and subtract it from the mean height of the entire population.
To calculate the selection differential:
- Collect data on the trait of interest for the entire population.
- Identify the selected individuals, which could be those with the highest or lowest values.
- Calculate the mean value of the selected individuals.
- Calculate the mean value of the entire population.
- Subtract the mean value of the selected individuals from the mean value of the entire population.