When selecting animals for a trait with high heritability, selection will be:

When selecting animals for a trait with high heritability, selection will be:

• A. Not affected by heritability.
• B. Depends on density of population.
• C. More effective.
• D. Less effective.

Answer: (C)

High heritability means most differences among individuals for that trait come from genetics rather than the environment. When you select animals based on phenotype for a trait with high h^2, the observed selection differential translates directly into genetic gain in the next generation. This is captured by the breeder’s idea that the response to selection is proportional to h^2 times the selection differential; with h^2 high, the same differential yields a larger response. So selection is more effective. Statements about population density aren’t the driver of genetic gain, and saying it’s not affected by heritability ignores this key relationship. For traits with lower heritability, environmental effects dilute the phenotype, making selection less efficient.

High heritability means most differences among individuals for that trait come from genetics rather than the environment. When you select animals based on phenotype for a trait with high h^2, the observed selection differential translates directly into genetic gain in the next generation. This is captured by the breeder’s idea that the response to selection is proportional to h^2 times the selection differential; with h^2 high, the same differential yields a larger response. So selection is more effective. Statements about population density aren’t the driver of genetic gain, and saying it’s not affected by heritability ignores this key relationship. For traits with lower heritability, environmental effects dilute the phenotype, making selection less efficient.