Solutions For An Introduction to Genetic Analysis Chapter 19 Problem 17P

(b) The narrow-sense heritability shows the extent of variation, which is passed on from the parent to the offspring, among the individuals of a population.

So, if the narrow-sense heritability (h²) is larger, the difference between the selected parents and the whole population is greater. So, the character, which shows large narrow-sense heritability, will respond more to selection. In this case, fat content will react best to selection.

(c) The mean fat content which can be expected is calculated by finding the selection response.

Selection response = narrow-sense heritability (h²) × selection differential

= 0.400× (10.5%-6.5%)

= 1.6% decrease in the fat content

The current mean fat content = 10.5%

The mean fat content that can be expected = 10.5-1.6 = 8.9%