Cohabitation, convergence, and environmental covariances

Am J Med Genet. 1986 Jul;24(3):483-91. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.1320240311.

Abstract

Temporal variation in traits has long been a central theme in epidemiology. However, human geneticists have largely avoided this topic. Recently, several authors have shown how temporal variation in relative-to-relative covariances can be accommodated within the framework of variance components analysis. The present paper attempts to clarify the mathematics implicit in their approach. A stochastic mechanism is discussed that causes covariances to converge or diverge exponentially fast as relatives cohabit or lead separate lives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Environment
  • Genetics, Medical*
  • Humans
  • Mathematics
  • Models, Genetic
  • Pedigree
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Time Factors