Marker-based inference of QST

Author(s): Kermit Ritland

Genetic variation for a quantitative trait is detected by the correlation of trait values between relatives. Genetic markers reveal relationship and can be used to make inferences about quantitative genetic variation. In this paper, we infer quantitative genetic variance for the general situation of two observed individuals, using a model that involves the squared difference for quantitative traits. From this, the genetic variance for a quantitative trait, and Q_st, can be estimated. Q_st measures the proportion of quantitative genetic variance that lies within populations and is analogous to F_st but can differ from F_st due to natural selection. No method has been published to estimate Q_st, from purely morphological variation.