Question

How do you estimate h2 via mid-parent offspring regression?

a) By comparing different genetic markers in offspring
b) By analyzing parental and offspring DNA sequences
c) By measuring the correlation between offspring and mid-parent phenotypes
d) By calculating the number of mutations in offspring genomes

Answer 1

Heritability (h2) is estimated via mid-parent offspring regression by measuring the correlation between offspring and mid-parent phenotypes. The slope of the regression line represents the heritability of the trait.

Step-by-step explanation:

You can estimate heritability (h2) via mid-parent offspring regression by measuring the correlation between offspring and mid-parent phenotypes. This method involves plotting the phenotypes of the offspring against the average phenotype of their parents (the mid-parent). The slope of the regression line provides an estimate of heritability in the trait being studied. This technique does not involve genetic markers or DNA sequences directly, nor does it count mutations. Rather, it assesses how much of the variation in a trait can be attributed to the variation in genetics inherited from the parents.

The answer to the student's question is c) By measuring the correlation between offspring and mid-parent phenotypes.