Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Experimental Manipulation of Body Size to Estimate Morphological Scaling Relationships in Drosophila
Published on: October 1, 2011
Quantitative genetics of sexual dimorphism in body fat measurements
Anthony G Comuzzie1, John Blangero1, Michael C Mahaney1
1Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, Texas 78228.
Abstract:
A variance decomposition analysis using maximum likelihood methods was employed to examine the genetic architecture of sexual dimorphism in anthropometric traits in a large pedigreed sample of Mexican American individuals from San Antonio, Texas. For this analysis the magnitude of sexual dimorphism was viewed as arising from a special case of genotype by environment interaction (G × E), that of genotype by sex (G × S). Evidence indicates a marked G × S interaction for 9 of the 12 traits examined and 1 of the 4 indices, findings which are interpreted as indicators of a strong genetic component to the degree of sexual dimorphism expressed in these traits. Such results have important implications for the use and interpretation of these traits in an epidemiological as well as an evolutionary context. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Related Concept Videos
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female...
Dosage Compensation
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with distinct numbers of X chromosomes will...
Polygenic Traits
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....
Natural Selection and Mating Preferences
Females, due to their biological roles in conception, pregnancy, and nursing,...

