Simple segregation analysis: a review of its history and terminology

Abstract

The history of simple segregation analysis is reviewed with the aim of clarifying the present confusion in terminology. Although Weinberg's contribution to simple segregation analysis is considerable, it is noted that he was not responsible for one of the methods often attributed to him. For the benefit of biologists attempting to understand simple segregation analysis, the various names given by different authors to some of the methods of segregation analysis that are still in use are incorporated into a table. All the confusion in terminology can be avoided, however, by using an extension (due to Davie) of the singles method that combines a very simple and efficient estimate of segregation frequency with a very quick and simple estimate of its variance, and that is valid for all levels of ascertainment.