This book summarizes the state of the art in molecular analysis of complex traits (QTL mapping) and places new developments within the context of their historical origins. Leading authorities address central issues and present case histories of groundbreaking work. The research presented in this volume allows a re-evaluation of important biological questions.

Introduction: Of Blending, Beans, and Bristles: The Foundations of QTL Mapping. Fundamental Principles: Molecular Tools for the Study of Complex Traits. Experimental Design Considerations in Analysis of Complex Traits. Computational Tools for Study of Complex Traits. QTL Mapping in Outbred Pedigrees. Mapping QTLs in Autopolyploids. QTL Analysis under Linkage Equilibrium. Molecular Analysis of Epistasis. QTL Mapping in DNA Marker-Assisted Plant and Animal Improvement. QTL Analyses: Power, Precision, and Accuracy. High-Resolution Mapping of QTLs. Compilation and Distribution of Data on Complex Traits. Case Histories: Case History in Plant Domestication: Sorghum, An Example of Cereal Evolution. Case History in Crop Improvement: Yield Heterosis in Maize. Case History in Germplasm Introgression: Tomato Genetics and Breeding Using Nearly Isogenic Introgression Lines Derived from Wild Species. Case History in Genetics of Long-Lived Plants: Molecular Approaches to Domestication of a Fast-Growing Forest Tree: Populus. Case History in Animal Improvement: Mapping Complex Traits in Ruminants. Case History in Animal Improvement: Genetic Mapping of QTLs for Growth and Fatness in the Pig. Case History in Humans: Mapping QTLs for Complex Traits in Humans. Social Impact of QTL Mapping: From Malthus to Mapping: Prospects for an Impact of Genome Analysis on the World Food Supply. Ethical Consequences of Mapping QTLs for Complex Human Traits. Epilogue: Prospects for Cloning the Genetic Determinants of QTLs. Index.