Quantification of a genetic message in selection

The genetic communication system includes the following components: the parent, which represents the information source and which emits messages; the gametes, which are the messenger carriers; and the offspring, which results from the decoding of two of these messages and can, in turn, become an information source.In a diploid species, a pair of heterozygous homologous loci may emit two equally probable messages, the quantity of genetic information (Q) produced being equivalent to: Q=log₂ 2=1 bit. For n independent pairs of heterozygous homologous loci, Q=n.log₂ 2=n bits. The evolution of Q is examined whenever the parent is used in inbreeding or crossbreeding. In the case of inbreeding, the initial Q is depleted as the loci become homozygous; for hybridization the evolution of Q is unpredictable.In the case of pairs of linked heterozygous homologous loci, Q is represented by an equation similar to that used to describe entropy. The value of entropy is lower when linkage between loci is tighter, the freedom of choice in selection is reduced.