Which option correctly states that lowly heritable traits include reproduction, health, and survival?

Which option correctly states that lowly heritable traits include reproduction, health, and survival?

• A. Height and length
• B. Reproduction, health, and survival
• C. Milk production
• D. Bone content and growth

Answer: (B)

Heritability is about how much of the observed differences among animals are due to genetic differences versus environmental factors. Reproduction, health, and survival are traits that are heavily shaped by management, nutrition, disease exposure, stress, and overall environment, so the genetic contribution to variation in these traits is relatively small. That makes them lowly heritable. So the statement listing reproduction, health, and survival as low-heritability traits is the best fit. By contrast, measurements like height or length, milk production, and bone content and growth tend to reflect a stronger genetic influence, showing higher heritability.

Heritability is about how much of the observed differences among animals are due to genetic differences versus environmental factors. Reproduction, health, and survival are traits that are heavily shaped by management, nutrition, disease exposure, stress, and overall environment, so the genetic contribution to variation in these traits is relatively small. That makes them lowly heritable. So the statement listing reproduction, health, and survival as low-heritability traits is the best fit. By contrast, measurements like height or length, milk production, and bone content and growth tend to reflect a stronger genetic influence, showing higher heritability.