A Statistical Study of the Relative Goodness of Fit of the Two Proposed Theories of Human Blood Group Inheritance

Abstract

Summary The two genetic theories that have been proposed as an explanation of the inheritance of human blood groups, are outlined. Frequencies expected on the basis of the two proposed theories are calculated for 67 large populations. Pearson's x2 test is applied to the observed and calculated frequencies. Of the 67 populations tested more than 70 per cent are in good agreement with the theory of triple allelomorphs; less than 3 per cent agree as well with the two-factor hypothesis. Of the 49 populations that agree with the one or the other proposed theory 48 or 97 per cent agree better with the theory of triple allelomorphs. The conclusion is reached that the theory of triple allelomorphs explains better the inheritance of human blood groups than does the two-factor hypothesis of von Dungern and Hirzfeld whether or not the latter is complicated by linkage.