Genotype-Environment Interaction in Animals

Questions and Answers

The phenotype of an animal for a quantitatively inherited character is determined by?

Animal's genotype at many different loci

The environment in which the character is expressed

Both A and B (correct)

None of the above

What does genotype refer to?

Group of animals (breed, line, strain or family) whose genetic composition is similar, but not necessarily identical

When is there a genotype-environment interaction (GEI)?

When the difference in the performance of two different genotypes is different in two different environments

What factors contribute to genotype-environment interactions (GEI)?

<p>Both A and B</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic potential?

<p>Highest performance that animals of this type can achieve in the absence of environmental stress</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss genotype-environment interactions and give examples.

<ol> <li>A GEI occurs when performance differs in environments. 2. Same genotype may outperform in both but with differing superiority. 3. Example: Brahman-British F1 cows had a higher calf crop in Nebraska and Texas but with different performance differences. 4. One genotype can outperform in one environment while another genotype performs better in a different environment.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Genotype-Environment Interaction

Phenotype in animals for quantitatively inherited traits results from both genotype across multiple loci and environmental influences.
Genotype is a group of animals (breed, line, strain, family) sharing similar, though not identical, genetic makeup.

When Genotype-Environment Interaction Occurs

Genotype-environment interaction (GEI) occurs when performance differences between genotypes vary in different environmental contexts.

Factors Contributing to Genotype-Environment Interaction

Genetic potential of diverse genotypes affects character performance and adaptation to different environments.
Different genotypes’ adaptation levels influence how much of their genetic potential they can realize amid environmental challenges.

Genetic Potential Defined

Genetic potential refers to the maximum performance achievable by an animal breed in optimal conditions without environmental stress.

Examples of Genotype-Environment Interactions

GEI can manifest where the same genotype shows superior performance in different environments, but with varying degrees of superiority. For instance:
- Brahman-British F1 cows achieved calf crop percentages of 93% in Nebraska and 96% in Texas, with performance difference larger in Texas (9% vs 4%).
Alternatively, performance may vary significantly between environments for different genotypes:
- Angus-Hereford F1 cows weaned a higher percentage of calf crops (85%) compared to Brahman-British F1 cows (82%) overall, but in Central Texas, Brahman-British F1s outperformed with 88% against 83%.

Description

This quiz explores the concept of genotype-environment interaction (GEI) in animals, focusing on how both genetic makeup and environmental factors contribute to phenotype variations. Understand the implications of genetic potential and its influence on adaptation across different environments. Test your knowledge on the factors that lead to these interactions.