Imagine you hear a report about a heritability study that claims trait X is "50% genetic." Which of the following is a more accurate way of stating this?
A) Fifty percent of individual difference of trait X within a population are due to genetic factors.
B) Only half of a population has the trait.
C) The trait is homozygous.
D) More than 50% of similarities of trait X within a population are the result of genetic factors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option A is the most accurate because it correctly conveys the meaning of heritability. Heritability is a measure of the extent to which variation in the traits within a population can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals. It is not the same as saying that 50% of the population has the trait (Option B), or that the trait is homozygous (Option C). Option D is also incorrect because the heritability estimate does not imply anything about the proportion of similarities in the population that can be explained by genetic factors.

Imagine You Hear a Report About a Heritability Study That