Genotype and environment in the determination of minor skeletal variants and body weight in mice
Numerous minor skeletal variants have been described in the mouse (Grüneberg, 1963), other small mammals (Berry & Searle, 1963) and in man (Comas, 1960; Brothwell, 1963; Grüneberg, 1963). In genetically heterogeneous material such as man it is very difficult to sort out the factors causing these variants. However, in experimental animals such as the mouse the use of inbred strains and crosses derived from them permits a more detailed understanding of these factors, in particular the relative importance of heredity and environment. Grüneberg (1963) cites numerous references showing very great differences in the percentage incidence of many minor variants in mice between inbred strains and in some cases between hybrids. The conclusion is that much of this variation is genetic in origin. Even so, certain environmental factors have been shown to be of importance, such as maternal age, parity, maternal weight and maternal diet.