Measure of Genetic Distance

Use this option to select a measure for computing the genetic distances between the groups defined by the population variable . Selections should be made based on assumptions for genetic drift and mutational frequencies.

Available measures are described in the table below:

Measure of Genetic Distance

Definition

Chord

A measure of genetic distance that assumes any differences are the result of genetic drift alone.

Nei72

A measure of genetic distance that assumes any differences are the result of neutral mutations and genetic drift.

Nei83

A measure of genetic distance that assumes any differences are the result of both genetic drift and mutations giving rise to incompatible alleles.

Reynolds

A measure of genetic distance that assumes any differences are the result of genetic drift alone.

Rogers

A metric measure that is often used in spatial studies as an analog for geographic distances. It is less dependent on differences in allelic frequencies and more affected by novel alleles than are the other measures.

FST

A measure of genetic distance within a sub- population relative to that of the entire population

Note: The Chord and Reynolds methods use different estimators for the same quantity for the same model.

To Specify a Measure of Genetic Distance:

8 Make a selection using the drop-down menu.