Crossbreeding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crossbreeding

cross-breed-ing

🇬🇧 /kɹˈɒsbɹiːdɪŋ/

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal breeding

The practice of mating closely related individuals, especially of different breeds, to produce offspring with desirable traits.

Synonyms

crossing, hybridization, interbreeding.

Examples of usage

Crossbreeding of different dog breeds often results in puppies with a unique combination of characteristics.
Crossbreeding can help increase genetic diversity within a population.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

plant breeding

The intentional mating of two plants from different varieties or species to create new hybrids with specific characteristics.

Synonyms

crossing, hybridization, interbreeding.

Examples of usage

Crossbreeding of different tomato varieties can lead to plants with disease resistance and higher yields.
Farmers use crossbreeding techniques to develop crops that are better suited to specific growing conditions.

Translations

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Quick facts about “crossbreeding”

Crossbreeding is a 3-syllable noun (cross-breed-ing). It is pronounced /kɹˈɒsbɹiːdɪŋ/. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages.

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“crossbreeding” in agriculture

Farmers have used crossbreeding for centuries to enhance crop yields and create disease-resistant plants.
The famous 'Earligold' tomato was developed through crossbreeding to combine early maturation with rich flavor.

“crossbreeding” in genetics

Crossbreeding can result in hybrid vigor, where the offspring show improved traits compared to their parents.
However, crossbreeding can also lead to unexpected genetic traits, affecting the health and viability of the new generation.

“crossbreeding” in wildlife conservation

Scientists sometimes use crossbreeding to enhance the genetic diversity of endangered species, helping to save them from extinction.
Examples include breeding different subspecies of wolves to promote resilience against diseases.

“crossbreeding” in pop culture

In movies and literature, crossbreeding has been depicted dramatically, such as in 'Jurassic Park', where dinosaurs were hybridized, revealing both potential and peril.
The popular designer dog trend, like the Labradoodle, exemplifies how crossbreeding has captured public interest, blending traits of different breeds for companionship.

Origin of 'crossbreeding'

Main points about word origin

The word 'cross' comes from the Old English 'cros', referring to intersection, while 'breeding' relates to the Old English 'bredan', meaning to bring forth.
Crossbreeding combines genetic material from distinct species or varieties, contributing to biodiversity and new traits in offspring.

The practice of crossbreeding has a long history dating back to early agricultural societies. Farmers have been intentionally mating animals and plants to improve their characteristics for thousands of years. This practice has played a crucial role in the development of modern agriculture and the variety of breeds and varieties we have today.