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Meta‐analysis of the heritability of developmental stability: a giant step backward
Author(s) -
Markow T. A.,
Clarke G. M.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of evolutionary biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.289
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1420-9101
pISSN - 1010-061X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1420-9101.1997.10010031.x
Subject(s) - library science , citation , biology , heritability , genealogy , computer science , evolutionary biology , history
Measuring developmental instability is becoming a popular activity among behavioral ecologists and conservation biologists. Because of the potential implications of this phenomenon, it is imperative that we have a clear understanding of its basis. The question of whether or not it is heritable, and if so, to what degree, is clearly relevant to the implementation of its measures in addressing a range of evolutionary questions. Because of this, we discuss below our concerns about the meta-analysis of Moller and Thornhill. Our commentary will focus upon two general points. One is the issue of appropriateness of meta-analysis for studies of heritability. The second deals specifically with the handling of the material retrieved from the literature and included in the tables and conclusions of the meta-analysis.