What does broad-sense heritability measure?

Broad-sense heritability measures the total genetic contribution to phenotypic variation within a population. This concept encompasses all forms of genetic variance, including additive genetic variance, dominance variance, and epistatic variance. By assessing broad-sense heritability, researchers can understand how much of the variability observed in a trait—such as behavior—can be attributed to genetics as opposed to environmental factors.

This measurement is crucial in studies of animal behavior because it provides insight into how traits can be passed down through generations, helping to determine the degree to which genetic differences among individuals influence behavioral variations within a species. When broad-sense heritability is high, it suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in shaping that trait, implying potential predictability in behavior based on genetic lineage.