• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.509-516
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• 2004

This study is to investigate the amount of biased estimates for heritability and genetic correlation according to data structure on marbling scores in Korean cattle. Breeding population with 5 generations were simulated by way of selection for carcass weight, Longissimus muscle area and latent values of marbling scores and random mating. Latent variables of marbling scores were categorized into five by the thresholds of 0, I, 2, and 3 SD(DSI) or seven by the thresholds of -2, -1, 0,1I, 2, and 3 SD(DS2). Variance components and genetic pararneters(Heritabilities and Genetic correlations) were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood on multivariate linear mixed animal models and by Gibbs sampling algorithms on multivariate threshold mixed animal models in DS1 and DS2. Simulation was performed for 10 replicates and averages and empirical standard deviation were calculated. Using REML, heritabilitis of marbling score were under-estimated as 0.315 and 0.462 on DS1 and DS2, respectively, with comparison of the pararneter(0.500). Otherwise, using Gibbs sampling in the multivariate threshold animal models, these estimates did not significantly differ to the parameter. Residual correlations of marbling score to other traits were reduced with comparing the parameters when using REML algorithm with assuming linear and normal distribution. This would be due to loss of information and therefore, reduced variation on marbling score. As concluding, genetic variation of marbling would be well defined if liability concepts were adopted on marbling score and implemented threshold mixed model on genetic parameter estimation in Korean cattle.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.316-335
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• 2021

This study reviewed the change of theory of ecological niche(concepts and definitions) over time to provide a theoretical basis for habitat-related studies of animals and plants. Accordingly, it analyzed and summarized the major discussion trends of ecological niche worldwide in each period from the 1900s to the present. Countries advanced in ecological studies, such as the EU and the USA, have conducted theoretical and empirical studies on the ecological niche since the early 1990s. The concept of the ecological niche was introduced in the early 1900s, developed in the mid-1900s, and advanced from the mid-1900s to the late 1900s. Since the 2000s, the advanced concept has diversified with new developments in technologies and research methods. The factors suggested by theoretical and empirical studies in defining the ecological niche of a species include 1) population dynamics of the target species, 2) all biotic conditions to sustain a population (food relationship and material flow in the food chain), 3) all non-biotic conditions to sustain a population (physical environmental conditions), 4) all direct and indirect interactions between these environmental factors, and 5) response and adaptation mechanisms that include the migratory ability of the target species or genetic diversity and adaptability to change. Unlike such international advancement, there have not been sufficient theoretical, philosophical, and empirical studies of ecological niche in Korea. The concepts and definitions by Greennell, Elton, and Hutchinson were selectively and partially borrowed for empirical studies without full description. Considering that the theory of ecological niche becomes the foundation for habitat-based species conservation and restoration, it is necessary to seek diversification and advancement of theoretical and empirical research and research methods and technological development. It will provide an important foundation for the academic advancement of ecology and for establishing and implementing policies to preserve and restore ecology and biodiversity effectively and successfully in Korea.