Assignment Model
Definition
A method assessing a specimen against candidate reference populations under specified assumptions. A model compares genetic observations with candidate reference populations. Its usefulness depends on representative samples and demonstrated performance on independent material.
- Context
- Population genetics
For example, a classifier offered only regions A and B may select A even when an unknown insect actually originated in unsampled region C.
A model forced to choose between two regions can choose one even when the true origin is elsewhere. Assignment percentages are not automatically body-movement probabilities.
Related terms
- Body Movement Inference
- An assessment of possible movement requiring separate support beyond a specimen’s genetic similarity to a reference group. Insect findings may be compared...
- Gene Flow
- Movement of genetic variants among populations through migration and reproduction. This can reduce differentiation even when sites are far apart. A political...
- Genetic Structure
- Genetic differentiation among defined populations or samples, without a guarantee of geographic classification accuracy. Genetic differences among samples can reflect geography, time,...
- Haplotype
- Linked genetic variants inherited together, often considered in a mitochondrial sequence. Mitochondrial haplotypes reflect maternal inheritance and may be shared among relatives...
- Kinship
- Biological relatedness that can make collected insects non-independent samples of a regional population. Larvae from one resource can share parents or other...
- Likelihood Ratio
- The probability of observations under one specified proposition divided by their probability under another, conditional on the stated information. A likelihood ratio...
- Phylogeography
- Study of the geographic distribution and history of genetic lineages, distinct from a validated case-specific assignment method. Geographic reference data connect genetic...
- Population Structure
- Genetic differentiation among defined populations or samples, not automatically useful geographic classification. Genetic differences among samples can reflect geography, time, family relationships...
- Reference Population Panel
- A documented set of reference samples whose geographic, temporal and family representation affect assignment. Geographic reference data connect genetic observations with documented...