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 Qst, can be estimated. Qst measures the proportion of quantitative genetic variance that lies within populations and is analogous to Fst but can differ from Fst due to natural selection. No method has been published to estimate Qst, from purely morphological variation.