What is genetic covariance between half-sibs?

AGB-0062

QUESTION

What is genetic covariance between half-sibs?

OPTIONS

(A) ¼ VA
(B) ½ VA
(C) ¾ VA
(D) ½ VA + ¼ VD + VEC

ANSWER

(A) ¼ VA

EXPLANATION

Genetic covariance between half-sibs is one-quarter of the additive genetic variance, ¼VA, because half-sibs share on average one-quarter of their additive genes through a common parent. The other expressions overestimate the additive relationship or include inappropriate dominance/environmental components for the standard half-sib covariance.

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