A test of a path model of biocultural transmission of fertility.

A model adapted to a general linear model of phenotypic transmission (two components: (1) genetic additive, (2) cultural [age at marriage]) has been used to analyse the familial correlations of fertility (number of children) born before the demographic transition at Arthez d'Asson (Béarn, 1744-1889). The model is rejected: chi 2 = 55.7 with 6d.f. In the ancient demographical regime, reproduction and nuptiality of a couple were not influenced by their parents but by their generation.