Two traits with similar phenotype variance exist in a population. If one trait has two major genes and six minor loci that influence the phenotype, and the second trait has 12 minor loci and no major genes affecting the phenotype, which trait would you expect to respond most consistently to selection? Explain.

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Quizlet Admin · Accepted Answer

Since major genes tend to have larger heritability than smaller genes, and the response to selection is governed by the selection differential equation:

$$
R=h^2S
$$

If we presume that the strength of selection (S) is constant for both phenotypes (since it's not stated otherwise) we can state that the trait with two major genes would respond more consistently to selection.

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