Selection, linkage, and dominance in small populations : I. Effects on coefficient of inbreeding.

Linkage, dominance, and selection interact significantly to alter the mean coefficient of inbreeding. The effect of one is not predictable without the other two. Close linkage between adjacent loci in the presence of intense selection caused a different response with overdominant gene action from with partial dominance. When selection was random, effects of linkage and dominance on the coefficient of inbreeding were nonexistent; but when selection was by either phenotype or genotype, linkage and dominance became important. Joint effects between linkage, dominance, and selection are illustrated in specific simulated populations.