Full Citation

Title: Cohort Effects in a Genetically Determined Trait: Eye Colour Among US Whites

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2002

ISBN:

ISSN:

DOI: 10.1080/03014460210157394

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: Background : While the inheritance of eye colour is likely polygenic, blue eye colour is thought to follow an inheritance pattern similar to that of a recessive trait. Consequently, age-related differences in the prevalence of blue eye colour would be unanticipated. Aim : This study explores the finding and explanation for birth cohort differences in the prevalence of blue eye colour in the US white population. Subjects and methods : Data from the first (1971-1975) and third (1988-1994) US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES-I and NHANES-III), nationally representative surveys of the US population, were analysed. Trends in eye colour prevalence by birth cohort were analysed together with mortality rates according to eye colour. US census data (1980) were examined to explore cohort differences in ancestry and assortative mating by ancestry. Results : The prevalence of blue eye colour among non-Hispanic whites in NHANES-III was 57.4% (95% CI: 50.1-64.7) for individuals born between 189...

Url: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03014460210157394

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Authors: Grant, M. D.; Lauderdale, D. S.

Periodical (Full): Annals of Human Biology

Issue: 6

Volume: 29

Pages: 657-666

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Fertility and Mortality, Other

Countries: