All FSI Projects

The Quantitative Genetic Architecture of Sex Differences in Longevity

Researchers

Jamie Jones, PhD
Investigator

The aim of this project was to investigate the heritability of longevity and the relative contributions of selection on mean lifespan and sex-specific lifespan to human longevity. The researchers pursued two different computational approaches to the problem: (1) period samples and their associated offspring, and (2) backward genealogical pruning of samples.  From this research, they answered whether these two approaches yield different estimates of heritabilities or G-matrices?  And if different period samples yield stable estimates of G? They developed a way through which distinct estimates can reduce uncertainty in the overall parameter estimates. This research has resulted in 2 manuscripts entitled “The Marginal Valuation of Fertility and Risk-Sensitive Reproductive Decision-Making during Economic Crises” and “Quantitative Genetic Analysis Reveals Trade-Offs between Age at First Reproduction and Fertility”.