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Partitioning Phenotypic Variance

Fisher showed that total trait variation can be decomposed: VP = VA + VD + VE + VEnvironment. Adjust each component and watch heritability change.

55
5
2
38
h² = 0.55
Narrow-sense heritability

The Two Fields

Same seeds, different soil. Heritability is high in both fields — but the difference between fields is entirely environmental.

90
30

Twin Study

Identical twins share 100% of DNA. Fraternal twins share 50%. The difference in similarity reveals genetic influence.

0.68

Heritability Across Traits

Height, BMI, blood pressure — the same concept, very different numbers. Why?

chaek.org · Human Genetics Ch.16