The Importance of Mating Structure Versus Progeny Distribution for Genetic Identity under Mutation

The relative importance of mating structure versus the distribution of progeny number for the genetic identity in a population is investigated. Both homozygosity and identity between individuals in a population at equilibrium with mutation are used as measures. Several regular systems of inbreeding, as well as random mating, are contrasted subject to the constraint of exactly two progeny per individual. Conversely, different distributions of progeny number are contrasted under both random mating and half-sib mating. Both the mating system and the progeny distribution are significant determinants of genetic identity, but sometimes these factors are interrelated so that causality cannot be assigned to either factor. When the mating structure or progeny distribution is changed, identity within and between individuals may both increase (or both decrease), but they may also change in opposite directions.