SIMULATION OF STOCHASTIC MICROPOPULATION MODELS .4. SNAPPERS - MODEL IMPLEMENTATION FOR GENETIC-TRAITS

The current paper concerning stochastic micropopulation simulations de scribes SNAPPERS, which serves as a framework for simulation models of the genetic transmission of disease. The versions described are imple mented using the simulation shell, SUMMERS, which includes the generic commonalities of several micropopulation models. Population members i n SNAPPERS move through states related to the individual's status rela tive to the genotype (phenotype). Features of the model include one or two major loci, polygenic and common familial contribution to the phe notype, assortative mating, and flexibility in defining gene action. T he user can select from multiple ascertainment strategies for analysis of simulated families.