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Familial resemblance for physique: heritabilities for somatotype components
P T Katzmarzyk1, R M Malina, L Pérusse
1Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, North York, Ontario, Canada. katzmarz@yorku.ca
Annals of Human Biology
|October 7, 2000
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence human physique, as evidenced by strong parent-child resemblance in Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype components. This study highlights the role of heritability in body shape variation.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Human Genetics
- Biometrics
Background:
- Human physique exhibits complex variations.
- Understanding the inheritance patterns of anthropometric traits is crucial for population studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate familial resemblance in Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype.
- To estimate the heritability of somatotype components and their familial correlations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized principal components analysis on endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy.
- Applied regression procedures to adjust for age, sex, and inter-component effects.
- Fit a familial correlation model to assess resemblance across generations.
Main Results:
- Found significant heritability estimates for all somatotype components (56-68%).
- Observed no significant spouse resemblance, indicating traits are not strongly selected in partners.
- Demonstrated significant parent-child correlations, suggesting genetic influence on physique.
Conclusions:
- Familial resemblance in anthropometric somatotype is largely attributable to genetic factors.
- The findings support the role of genes in shaping human physique, assuming random mating.
- Significant parent-child correlations underscore the heritable nature of body composition.
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