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Chapter 8: Quantitative Genetics Destinations

Explore key concepts and research through these links to additional web resources.

8.1 The Nature of Quantitative Traits

• Dissection of complex and quantitative traits
  Isogenic lines of mice are crucial for the study of human disease and functional genomics. This is a review article from Threadgill et al. 2001 that highlights a current and practical example for analysis quantitative traits in mice.
  Keywords: isogenic , quantitative traits, inbreeding

8.2 Identifying Loci that Contribute to Quantitative Traits

• Quantitative Trait Evolution Models
  Drs. Judith Miller and Hamilton from Georgetown University are developing theoretical models of quantitative trait variance based on finite number of loci. Here you can learn about the criteria used to develop these models and how they challenge current thinking in the field.
  Keywords: infinitesimal loci model, quantitative traits, phenotype

8.3 Measuring Heritable Variation

• Mutation rates and Heritability
  The slide presentation from Toby Johnson provides an interesting overview of how mutation rates function as the ultimate source of heritable variation.
  Keywords: mutation rates, heritability, variation

• Cold War Weapons and Mutation Rates
  This article from Scientific American discusses the research into heritable mutation rate increases due to Cold War Weapons testing. It is a fascinating and timely article that utilizes many of the concepts you have been studying.
  Keywords: mutation rates, heritability, mini-satellite DNA

8.4 Measuring Differences in Survival and Reproductive Success

• Chimpanzees and Reproductive Success
  Jane Goodall's report on the influence of dominance rank on reproductive success of female chimpanzees is an excellent description of how evaluations of a population are conducted.
  Keywords: reproductive success, chimpanzees, dominance rank

8.5 Predicting the Evolutionary Response to Selection

• Dr. John Kelly
  University of Chicago professor, Dr. John K. Kelly is conducting research in the field of quantitative genetics. He is interested in testing the dynamical predictions of evolutional models using rapidly evolving plant models. This is an excellent overview of his research on the evolutionary response to selection.
  Keywords: selection, evolutionary change, predictive models

8.6 Modes of Selection and the Maintenance of Genetic Variation

• What Wrong with Inbreeding?
  The new theoretical research undertaken at University of Edinburg investigated the problems of inbreeding and the maintenance of genetic variation in plant and animal populations.
  Keywords: genetic variation, inbreeding, genetic drift

8.7 The Bell-Curve Fallacy and Other Misinterpretations of Heritability

• Bell Curve
  The Bell Curve is a long and complex four-part book by the psychologist Richard Herrnstein and the political scientist Charles Murray. The authors assert that intelligence is a highly heritable trait, plays a critical role in socioeconomic achievement and social pathology, and is becoming increasingly unequally distributed. This review article examines the logical and empirical support for these claims.
  Keywords: intelligence, IQ, bell curve