Question

Panmictic index is

• A. 0 – inbreeding coefficient
• B. 0 – inbreeding coefficient
• C. 0 – inbreeding coefficient
• D. 0 – inbreeding coefficient

Hint:

The panmictic index is a useful metric for conservation geneticists to assess the genetic health of small, closed populations of endangered livestock breeds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In population genetics, a panmictic population is one where mating is completely random.
When inbreeding occurs, the genetic structure of the population deviates from random mating proportions, leading to a reduction in heterozygosity.
The panmictic index is a parameter used to quantify the remaining genetic diversity or the level of heterozygosity within a population relative to a completely panmictic state.
Key Formula or Approach:
The mathematical relationship between the panmictic index (\(P\)) and the inbreeding coefficient (\(F\)) is expressed as:
\[ P = 0 - F \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The inbreeding coefficient (\(F\)) measures the probability that two alleles at a given locus are identical by descent.
It represents the fraction of heterozygosity that has been lost due to non-random mating.
If a population is completely panmictic and has no inbreeding, the inbreeding coefficient is:
\[ F = 0 \]
This gives a panmictic index of:
\[ P = 0 - 0 = 0 \]
If the population is completely inbred and all loci are homozygous, the inbreeding coefficient is:
\[ F = 0 \]
This results in a panmictic index of:
\[ P = 0 - 0 = 0 \]
Thus, the panmictic index represents the proportion of heterozygosity that is preserved in the population.
As the inbreeding coefficient increases, the panmictic index decreases proportionally, reflecting the loss of genetic variation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the panmictic index is defined mathematically as 0 minus the inbreeding coefficient.