Psyllids are insects that live through the winter as adults and then reproduce i

Question

Psyllids are insects that live through the winter as adults and then reproduce in the spring (before dying shortly thereafter). Imagine that the bitterly cold winter last year killed off all but the largest psyllids in Fort Collins. Assume the following:

• You measured the average psyllid size in late fall 2013 (before the extremely cold winter) and found that it was 3.0 mm.

You returned in late fall 2014 to measure the average psyllid size in the next generation and find that it is 3.3 mm.

You previously measured the (narrow-sense) heritability of psyllid size in this very same population and found it to be 0.2.

Using this information and the breeders’ equation, calculate the average size of the adults that survived the harsh winter to reproduce in spring 2014?

Explanation / Answer

The average psyllid size in late fall 2013 is 3.0mm.

The average psyllid size in late fall 2014 is 3.3mm which are the parents for the next generation.

the (narrow-sense) heritability of psyllid size in this very same population and found it to be 0.2

applying the Breeder's equation,

R = h2S
R = 0.2(3.3 - 3.0)mm
R = 0.06mm

The average size that survived the winter is 3.3 + 0.06 = 3.36mm

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse P
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.