The correlation coefficient is a measure of the strength of association between two traits. Correlation, however, does not indicate causation

Think of one or two variables (not necessarily phenotypes) that are correlated and are causally linked, and one or two variables that may be correlated but are not likely to be causally linked.


Traits like possession of a Y chromosome and possession of testes or a heavy beard are causally linked, owing to the testis-determining factor gene on the Y chromosome. Blonde hair and blue eyes are often associated but are not necessarily causally linked.

Biology & Microbiology

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