Question

Do less phenotypes in an experiment mean a smaller percent deviation? I know a larger sample size means a smaller percent deviation, but do phenotypes have anything to do with it??

Answer 1

@dan815 @aaronq

Answer 2

@AlexandervonHumboldt2 @nincompoop

Answer 3

\(\Large\mathbb{\color{darkred}{PLEASE~HELP~ME!!}}\)

Answer 4

A larger sample size provides more data points and as the number of points approaches infinity the results (averages) conform closer to the expected values - that's just statistics.

As for phenotypes, if you are doing, say, a dihybrid cross for fur colour of an animal, the cross is Aa x Aa, you're expecting offspring so show 1/4 AA (black), 1/4 aa (white) and 1/2 Aa (grey) phenotypes - btw im making this example up.

If you have 25 black, 25 white and 50 grey then you have no deviation from the expected values - if the results are not this (as it normally is in real life scenarios), then you will deviating from the expectation, the more your values are different from that the higher the deviation.

Idk if you already knew this, but if you didn't it should clear things up. Otherwise just clarify what you are trying to ask with an example.

Answer 5

@aaronq okay that helps a lot. thanks!

Answer 6

no problem