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Traits that are highly heritable are more directly influenced by genetic factors, meaning that they are more likely to be passed down from parent to offspring without significant variation from environmental influences. When a particular trait is primarily determined by the genetic makeup of the animals, the potential for heterosis, which refers to the hybrid vigor observed in crossbred individuals, tends to be less pronounced.

Heterosis typically arises in traits that are less heritable and have greater influence from non-genetic factors or environmental variations. In cases of traits that exhibit high heritability, the genetic backgrounds of the parents are similar, and any performance improvements in the offspring are limited. Therefore, even when crossbreeding occurs, the advantages gained from heterosis tend to be minimal for highly heritable traits.

The other options imply circumstances where the relationship between heritable traits and heterosis may alter, but the fundamental principle stands that high heritability corresponds with a lower response to heterosis overall.