The following components of the total phenotypic variance were estimated at three agriculturally important traits in corn. Determine which of these traits has the LARGEST broad-sense heritability.
A)Trait A
B)Trait B
C)Trait C
D)All traits will have the same broad-sense heritability.
E)Traits B and C will have the same broad-sense heritability.

Question

The following components of the total phenotypic variance were estimated at three agriculturally important traits in corn.  Determine which of these traits has the LARGEST broad-sense heritability.
A)Trait A 
B)Trait B 
C)Trait C 
D)All traits will have the same broad-sense heritability. 
E)Traits B and C will have the same broad-sense heritability.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The trait with the largest broad-sense heritability is the one with the highest proportion of the total phenotypic variance attributable to genetic factors. Without knowing the specific values of the estimated components of variance for each trait, we cannot determine the exact broad-sense heritability for each trait. However, since only one trait is listed as having the largest broad-sense heritability, we can reasonably assume that this trait has a higher proportion of the total phenotypic variance attributable to genetic factors compared to the other two traits. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

The Following Components of the Total Phenotypic Variance Were Estimated