Quantitative traits-be they morphological or physiological characters, aspects of behavior, or genome-level features such as the amount of RNA or protein expression for a specific gene-usually show considerable variation within and among populations. Quantitative genetics, also referred to as the genetics of complex traits, is the study of such characters and is based on mathematical models of evolution in which many genes influence the trait and in which non-genetic factors may also be important. Evolution and Selection of Quantitative Traits presents a holistic treatment of the subject, showing the interplay between theory and data with extensive discussions on statistical issues relating to the estimation of the biologically relevant parameters for these models. Quantitative genetics is viewed as the bridge between complex mathematical models of trait evolution and real-world data, and the authors have clearly framed their treatment as such. This is the second volume in a planned trilogy that summarizes the modern field of quantitative genetics, informed by empirical observations from wide-ranging fields (agriculture, evolution, ecology, and human biology) as well as population genetics, statistical theory, mathematical modeling, genetics, and genomics. Whilst volume 1 (1998) dealt with the genetics of such traits, the main focus of volume 2 is on their evolution, with a special emphasis on detecting selection (ranging from the use of genomic and historical data through to ecological field data) and examining its consequences.

Professors Lynch and Walsh bring together the diverse array of theoretical and empirical applications of quantitative genetics in a work that is comprehensive and accessible to anyone with a rudimentary understanding of statistics and genetics.

In Quantitative Trait Loci: Methods and Protocols, a panel of highly experienced statistical geneticists demonstrate in a step-by-step fashion how to successfully analyze quantitative trait data using a variety of methods and software for the detection and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL). Writing for the nonmathematician, these experts guide the investigator from the design stage of a project onwards, providing detailed explanations of how best to proceed with each specific analysis, to find and use appropriate software, and to interpret results. Worked examples, citations to key papers, and variations in method ease the way to understanding and successful studies. Among the cutting-edge techniques presented are QTDT methods, variance components methods, and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method for joint linkage and segregation analysis.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) is a topic of major agricultural significance for efficient livestock production. This book covers various statistical methods that have been used or proposed for detection and analysis of QTL and marker-and gene-assisted selection in animal genetics and breeding.

Comprehensive discussion of QTL mapping concepts and theory Detailed instructions on the use of the R/qtl software, the most featured and flexible software for QTL mapping Two case studies illustrate QTL analysis in its entirety

The Handbook for Statistical Genetics is widely regarded as the reference work in the field. However, the field has developed considerably over the past three years. In particular the modeling of genetic networks has advanced considerably via the evolution of microarray analysis. As a consequence the 3rd edition of the handbook contains a much expanded section on Network Modeling, including 5 new chapters covering metabolic networks, graphical modeling and inference and simulation of pedigrees and genealogies. Other chapters new to the 3rd edition include Human Population Genetics, Genome-wide Association Studies, Family-based Association Studies, Pharmacogenetics, Epigenetics, Ethic and Insurance. As with the second Edition, the Handbook includes a glossary of terms, acronyms and abbreviations, and features extensive cross-referencing between the chapters, tying the different areas together. With heavy use of up-to-date examples, real-life case studies and references to web-based resources, this continues to be must-have reference in a vital area of research. Edited by the leading international authorities in the field. David Balding - Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Imperial College An advisor for our Probability & Statistics series, Professor Balding is also a previous Wiley author, having written Weight-of-Evidence for Forensic DNA Profiles, as well as having edited the two previous editions of HSG. With over 20 years teaching experience, he’s also had dozens of articles published in numerous international journals. Martin Bishop – Head of the Bioinformatics Division at the HGMP Resource Centre As well as the first two editions of HSG, Dr Bishop has edited a number of introductory books on the application of informatics to molecular biology and genetics. He is the Associate Editor of the journal Bioinformatics and Managing Editor of Briefings in Bioinformatics. Chris Cannings – Division of Genomic Medicine, University of Sheffield With over 40 years teaching in the area, Professor Cannings has published over 100 papers and is on the editorial board of many related journals. Co-editor of the two previous editions of HSG, he also authored a book on this topic.