Inca bone

Inbreeding coefficient is a measure in population genetics that quantifies the likelihood of genetic similarity between two individuals due to shared ancestry. It is denoted by the symbol F and ranges from 0 to 1. A higher inbreeding coefficient indicates a higher probability of inheriting identical genes from both parents, which can lead to inbreeding depression.

Definition

The inbreeding coefficient, F, is defined as the probability that two alleles at a given locus in an individual are identical by descent. This means that the alleles are copies of a single ancestral allele. The concept was first introduced by Sewall Wright, an American geneticist, in the early 20th century.

Calculation

The inbreeding coefficient can be calculated using several methods, including the path method, the tabular method, and the method of moments. The path method, proposed by Wright, is the most commonly used. It involves tracing the possible paths of gene transmission from a common ancestor to the inbred individual.

Effects

Inbreeding, as measured by the inbreeding coefficient, can have several effects on a population. These include an increase in the frequency of homozygous genotypes, a decrease in genetic diversity, and the potential for inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression is a reduction in biological fitness that can result from increased homozygosity.

Inbreeding in Humans

In human populations, the inbreeding coefficient can be used to measure the degree of consanguinity, or relatedness, between two individuals. This can be important in the context of genetic counseling, where it can help assess the risk of genetic disorders in offspring.

Inbreeding in Animals

In animal populations, the inbreeding coefficient is often used in the management of captive breeding programs. It can help maintain genetic diversity and avoid the negative effects of inbreeding.

See Also

• Coefficient of relationship
• Hardy-Weinberg principle
• Genetic drift
• Founder effect
• Bottleneck effect