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An ecologist’s guide to the animal model
Author(s) -
Wilson Alastair J.,
Réale Denis,
Clements Michelle N.,
Morrissey Michael M.,
Postma Erik,
Walling Craig A.,
Kruuk Loeske E. B.,
Nussey Daniel H.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of animal ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.134
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1365-2656
pISSN - 0021-8790
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2009.01639.x
Subject(s) - quantitative genetics , variety (cybernetics) , data science , population , field (mathematics) , genetic model , population genetics , ecological genetics , ecology , computer science , key (lock) , biology , management science , artificial intelligence , genetic variation , genetics , engineering , mathematics , demography , sociology , pure mathematics , gene
Summary 1. Efforts to understand the links between evolutionary and ecological dynamics hinge on our ability to measure and understand how genes influence phenotypes, fitness and population dynamics. Quantitative genetics provides a range of theoretical and empirical tools with which to achieve this when the relatedness between individuals within a population is known. 2. A number of recent studies have used a type of mixed‐effects model, known as the animal model, to estimate the genetic component of phenotypic variation using data collected in the field. Here, we provide a practical guide for ecologists interested in exploring the potential to apply this quantitative genetic method in their research. 3. We begin by outlining, in simple terms, key concepts in quantitative genetics and how an animal model estimates relevant quantitative genetic parameters, such as heritabilities or genetic correlations. 4. We then provide three detailed example tutorials, for implementation in a variety of software packages, for some basic applications of the animal model. We discuss several important statistical issues relating to best practice when fitting different kinds of mixed models. 5. We conclude by briefly summarizing more complex applications of the animal model, and by highlighting key pitfalls and dangers for the researcher wanting to begin using quantitative genetic tools to address ecological and evolutionary questions.