Genetic linkage in the estimation of pairwise relationship

New types of markers, such as RAPDs, microsatellite markers, AFLPs, and SNPs provide the opportunity to obtain information on individuals at multiple genetic loci across the genome. This increase in the number of marker loci has provided enhanced opportunities for statistical analysis of the genetic consequences of genealogical relationship among individuals. In place of the classical models, we can now investigate empirical multilocus segregation patterns. Linkage among loci decreases the precision of relationship estimation but permits additional dimensions of genome sharing to be explored. In this paper we consider the effect of linkage on the pattern of genome sharing among relatives who share (on average) 25% of their dipolid genomes using the empirical meioses giving rise to 58 gametophytes from a single maternal plant of the species Pinus taeda (loblolly pine). The genome sharing among relatives is quantified in terms of the linkage map of the markers.