Inbreeding Coefficient Formula:
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The inbreeding coefficient (F) measures the probability that two alleles at any locus in an individual are identical by descent from a common ancestor. It quantifies the genetic similarity within a pedigree structure.
The calculator uses the standard inbreeding coefficient formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the probability that two alleles from a common ancestor are inherited by both parents and result in homozygous offspring.
Details: The inbreeding coefficient is crucial in population genetics, animal breeding, and conservation biology. It helps assess genetic diversity, predict inbreeding depression, and manage breeding programs to maintain healthy populations.
Tips: Enter the number of generations to the common ancestor through each parent (n1 and n2) and the inbreeding coefficient of the common ancestor (F_A). All values must be valid positive numbers with F_A between 0 and 1.
Q1: What does an inbreeding coefficient of 0 mean?
A: An inbreeding coefficient of 0 indicates no inbreeding - the parents are completely unrelated and share no common ancestors in the pedigree.
Q2: What is considered a high inbreeding coefficient?
A: Values above 0.0625 (equivalent to first cousins) are generally considered significant. Values above 0.25 (parent-offspring or sibling mating) represent extreme inbreeding.
Q3: How is this different from relatedness coefficient?
A: The inbreeding coefficient (F) measures homozygosity due to related parents, while the relatedness coefficient (r) measures the proportion of shared genes between two individuals.
Q4: Can the coefficient be negative?
A: No, inbreeding coefficients range from 0 to 1. Negative values are not biologically meaningful in standard pedigree analysis.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for complex pedigrees?
A: For complex pedigrees with multiple common ancestors, the calculation should be summed over all paths. This calculator handles a single common ancestor path.