A look at the inheritance of height using regression toward the mean.
2000 Jun
Journal Article
Authors:
Clemons, T.
Secondary:
Hum Biol
Volume:
72
Pagination:
447-54
Issue:
3
PMID:
10885190
Keywords:
Age Distribution; Body Height; Female; Humans; Male; Models, Statistical; Population Surveillance; Probability; Regression Analysis; Sex Distribution
Abstract:
A reanalysis of the family growth study of Pearson and Lee (1903) leads to an explanation of the inheritance of height other than the one that has been offered until now. By acknowledging that the father may be incorrectly identified, this new analysis provides a more relevant explanation of the data: it fits parallel regression lines for sons and daughters, and is consonant with the theory that each parent contributes equally to the genetic makeup of their offspring, at least as far as height is concerned. The problem seems to lie in identifying the correct parents.
