Scatterplot of midoffspring values versus midparent values
Suppose that a dog breeder has asked you for advice. The breeder keeps Alaskan huskies, which she races in sledding events. She would like to breed huskies that run faster.The table below gives data on the running speeds (m/s) of fifteen families of dogs in the breeder’s kennel.
- Use a piece of graph paper to prepare a scatterplot of midoffspring values versus midparent values. Approximately what is the heritability of running speed in the breeder’s dog population?
- If she selectively breeds her dogs, will the next generation run substantially faster than the dogs she has now?
- What else would you suggest this breeder should try if she wants to win more races?
| Family | Midparent | Midoffspring |
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 |
12.7 7.6 14.4 4.3 11.3 12.5 8.9 8.2 6.3 12.7 13.9 7.3 5.9 12.8 12.5 |
10.8 8.0 8.0 9.7 6.6 6.2 12.5 7.4 3.4 6.7 7.9 13.6 7.4 12.1 11.3 |