Random variability of map distances based on Kosambi's and Haldane's mapping functions.

The majority of published genetic maps are based on Kosambi distances or on Haldane distances. For a comparison of both map distance measures, their random variability is of particular interest. For the statistic 'variance', this paper presents a relationship between Kosambi distances and Haldane distances. The results suggest that Kosambi distances exhibit a smaller random variability. The theoretical results are applied to an experimental data set for molecular AFLP markers linked to the bolting gene of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.).