'Highly-Informative' Genetic Markers Can Bias Conclusions: Examples and General Solutions.

ABSTRACT: High-grading bias is the overestimation power in a subset of loci caused by model overfitting. Using both empirical and simulated datasets, we show that high-grading bias can cause severe overestimation of population structure, and thus mislead investigators, whenever highly informative or high-F_ST markers are chosen (i.e., ascertained) and used for subsequent assessments, a common practice in population genetic studies. This problem can occur in panmictic populations with no local adaptation. Biased results from choosing high-F_ST markers may have severe downstream implications for management and conservation, such as erroneous conservation unit delineation, which could squander limited conservation resources to protect incorrectly defined 'populations'. Furthermore,

SUBMITTER: Lee A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12415817 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature