Use of the uncertain relationship matrix to compute effective population size

The rules for computing the relationship matrix with uncertain parentage can be used to obtain effective population size. Given a population structure, e.g. the number of males and females, generation internal, and a prior probability of parentage, the expected inbreeding coefficient in any generation can be computed using the rules of the tabular method. Increase in inbreeding can then be related to effective population size. Examples are given for monoecious and dioecious species: overlapping and discrete generations, and closed or open populations. This approach allows the retrieval of well-known results in simple cases. A disadvantage is that it is not obvious how to take into account selection.