inbreeding Definition
- 1the process of breeding closely related individuals, especially for the purpose of maintaining or intensifying desirable traits in a stock
- 2the mating of animals or plants with close relatives, especially for the purpose of producing purebred offspring
Using inbreeding: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inbreeding" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The practice of inbreeding can lead to genetic defects and reduced fertility.
Example
Inbreeding is common in dog breeding to maintain breed purity.
Example
The royal family's history of inbreeding has been a topic of discussion for centuries.
inbreeding Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for inbreeding
Phrases with inbreeding
the mating of individuals that are very closely related, such as siblings or parent-child pairs
Example
Close inbreeding can increase the risk of genetic disorders in offspring.
a form of inbreeding in which an animal is mated with a distant relative, such as a grandparent or great-grandparent, to maintain desirable traits
Example
Linebreeding is commonly used in horse breeding to produce offspring with specific traits.
a reduction in fitness or vigor that occurs when individuals from different populations or breeds are crossed, resulting in offspring that are less well-adapted to their environment
Example
Outbreeding depression can occur when individuals from different populations are bred together without careful consideration of their genetic differences.
Summary: inbreeding in Brief
Inbreeding [ˈɪnˌbriːdɪŋ] refers to the process of breeding closely related individuals, often to maintain or intensify desirable traits. It is common in dog breeding and can lead to genetic defects and reduced fertility. 'Close inbreeding' refers to the mating of individuals that are very closely related, while 'linebreeding' is a form of inbreeding that involves mating with a distant relative. 'Outbreeding depression' is a reduction in fitness that occurs when individuals from different populations or breeds are crossed.