Inbreeding: meaning, definitions and examples
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inbreeding
[ ˈɪnˌbriː.dɪŋ ]
genetics, reproduction
Inbreeding is the practice of breeding individuals that are closely related genetically. This can occur in both animals and plants and often leads to a reduction in genetic diversity. As a result, inbreeding can increase the likelihood of offspring inheriting harmful genetic traits, potentially leading to health issues and decreased survival rates. In wildlife populations, inbreeding can result in a phenomenon known as inbreeding depression, where the population's overall fitness declines. Conservation efforts often aim to prevent inbreeding to maintain the genetic health of endangered species.
Synonyms
consanguinity, line breeding, relationship breeding.
Examples of usage
- Inbreeding can cause serious health issues in dogs.
- The farmer observed signs of inbreeding in his livestock.
- Efforts to prevent inbreeding are crucial in wildlife conservation.
Translations
Translations of the word "inbreeding" in other languages:
🇵🇹 consanguinidade
🇮🇳 अंतःप्रजनन
🇩🇪 Inzucht
🇮🇩 pernikahan sedarah
🇺🇦 схрещування в межах одного роду
🇵🇱 inbreding
🇯🇵 近親交配
🇫🇷 consanguinité
🇪🇸 endogamia
🇹🇷 eşeysel akrabalık
🇰🇷 근친교배
🇸🇦 التزاوج الأقرب
🇨🇿 příbuzenské křížení
🇸🇰 príbuzenské kríženie
🇨🇳 近亲繁殖
🇸🇮 bližnje parjenje
🇮🇸 innræktun
🇰🇿 туыстық байланыс
🇬🇪 ნათესაური საკავშირო
🇦🇿 konsanguinlik
🇲🇽 endogamia
Etymology
The term 'inbreeding' originates from the early 19th century, combining 'in-' which denotes within or inside, with 'breeding,' referring to the process of producing offspring. 'Breeding' itself comes from the Old English word 'bredan', which means to bring forth or produce. The concept of inbreeding has been recognized in agricultural practices for centuries, particularly in the domestication of plants and animals. Early farmers understood that breeding closely related individuals could stabilize certain desirable traits. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the genetic implications of inbreeding began to be scientifically understood. Geneticists observed that inbreeding could lead to increased homozygosity, which often results in the expression of deleterious alleles. This has profound implications not just in agriculture, but also in wildlife conservation, where maintaining genetic diversity is crucial for the survival of species.