A population of beetles has a mean weight of 30 g.In a controlled,constant environment,individuals of 12 g are selected and allowed to interbreed,and their progeny have a mean weight of 21 g with a variance of 4.5 g².What is the additive variance in this experiment? A)0.50 B)0.57 C)0.70 D)1.75 E)2.25

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The additive variance can be calculated using the breeder's equation: R = h²S, where R is the response to selection (change in mean weight), h² is the heritability, and S is the selection differential. Here, R = 21 - 30 = -9, and S = 12 - 30 = -18. The heritability h² = R/S = -9/-18 = 0.5. The additive variance is h² times the phenotypic variance (4.5), so 0.5 * 4.5 = 2.25.

A Population of Beetles Has a Mean Weight of 30