Product of Heritability and Selection Differential
The product of realized heritability & selection differential is known as:
- Response to selection — Correct Answer
- Limit of selection
- Intensity of selection
- Accuracy of selection
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Response to selection
The Response to selection (R) — also called genetic gain per generation — is defined by the Breeder's Equation as the product of narrow-sense (realized) heritability and the selection differential.
Breeder's Equation
R = h² × S
- h² = Realized (narrow-sense) heritability = VA / VP
- S = Selection differential = Mean of selected parents − Population mean
- S = i × σP (where i = intensity of selection, σP = phenotypic standard deviation)
Extended Form
R = h² × S = i × h² × σP = i × σA × rAP
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Limit of selection: The plateau reached when genetic variance is exhausted or inbreeding depression offsets gains.
- Intensity of selection (i): The standardised selection differential = S/σP.
- Accuracy of selection (rAP): Correlation between true breeding value and the selection criterion used.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Genetics & Breeding
This multiple choice question is from Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Genetics & Breeding to strengthen your preparation.
