Heritabilities of morphological and body composition characteristics in a Spanish population.

Different estimates of heritability are presented for a set of anthropometric characteristics taken in 844 individuals from 261 families living in the Madrid city area (Spain). The data include measurements of 10 craniofacial, 11 body skeletal (4 lengths and 7 breadths), and 13 fat-related characteristics (weight, 3 circumferences, 6 skinfold thicknesses, body mass index and arm fat and arm muscle areas). The estimates computed from parent and offspring data show a clear defined pattern (higher heritabilities for longitudinal traits, followed by breadths, circumferences, and skinfolds, respectively). Heritabilities estimated from sib-sib correlation do not show such pattern and are generally higher than those assessed through parent-offspring data, mainly for fat related traits, which is attributed to common environment effects.