Final answer:
Estimating h2 (heritability) through mid-parent offspring regression is a method used in quantitative genetics to assess the proportion of phenotypic variation that is due to genetic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Estimating h2 (heritability) through mid-parent offspring regression is a method used in quantitative genetics to assess the proportion of phenotypic variation that is due to genetic factors. In this approach, the phenotypic value of the offspring is regressed against the phenotypic values of their mid-parents (average of both parents' phenotypes). The slope of the regression line represents the heritability estimate (h2), which indicates the proportion of variation in the phenotype that is attributable to genetic factors. For example, let's say we are studying the heritability of height. We collect data on the height of individuals and their mid-parents. By regressing the height of offspring against the average height of their mid-parents, we can estimate the heritability of height, which tells us how much of the variation in height is due to genetic factors.