Comparison of an exact and a simulation method for calculating gene extinction probabilities in pedigrees
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1990 |
Authors: |
Alun Thomas |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
conservation, gene dropping, genetic variability, pedigree analysis, peeling, simulation |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430090402.abs A comparison is made between a much used simulation method, commonly called gene dropping, and the exact computational technique of peeling. These methods are illustrated using the problem of finding the distribution of the number of distinct ancestral genes surviving at an autosomal locus. Each method is used on several real zoo pedigrees, of varying size and complexity, and the results are compared. Gene dropping is found to be a good approximation to peeling, but for all but the most complex pedigrees surveyed, peeling is preferable. The relationship between heterozygosity and allelic variability is investigated.