Chapter 7: Problem 14

Breeding between animals of same breed is called

Short Answer

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Short Answer: Same-breed breeding, also known as inbreeding, is the process of mating animals of the same breed to produce offspring with specific traits or characteristics. It is common in domesticated animals and offers advantages such as maintaining breed purity and predictability of traits. However, disadvantages include a limited gene pool leading to reduced genetic diversity, increased health issues, and reduced fertility in the offspring. An alternative to same-breed breeding is crossbreeding, which introduces new genetic traits and increases genetic diversity.

Step by step solution

1. Understanding the concept of breeding

First, let's understand what breeding means. Breeding is the process of producing offspring by mating animals, usually to produce specific traits or characteristics in the offspring. When two animals of the same breed are mated, it is called "same-breed breeding" or "inbreeding."

2. Examples of same-breed breeding

Same-breed breeding is common, especially in domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and livestock. For example, a Labrador Retriever bred with another Labrador Retriever will produce purebred Labrador offspring. Similarly, breeding two Holstein cows will result in purebred Holstein calves.

3. Advantages of same-breed breeding

There are several advantages to same-breed breeding, primarily in maintaining breed purity and predictability of the offspring's traits. Breeders can select animals with desirable traits such as good temperament, strong genetics for specific purposes (e.g., herding, racing, or producing milk), and a consistent appearance that adheres to breed standards.

4. Disadvantages of same-breed breeding

However, there are several disadvantages to same-breed breeding. One significant disadvantage is the potential for inbreeding depression, where a limited gene pool can lead to reduced genetic diversity, which in turn may cause increased health issues and reduced fertility in the offspring. Homozygosity of deleterious traits (harmful traits that are inherited by offspring) may also increase with inbreeding, causing health and genetic disorders in the offspring.

5. Alternatives to same-breed breeding

An alternative to same-breed breeding is crossbreeding, where animals of different breeds are mated. Crossbreeding can introduce new genetic traits and increase genetic diversity within the population, potentially improving overall health, fertility, and strength. Crossbreeding can also result in offspring with unique or desirable traits that may not be present in either parent breed.

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Breeding between animals of same breed is called

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Understanding the concept of breeding

2. Examples of same-breed breeding

3. Advantages of same-breed breeding

4. Disadvantages of same-breed breeding

5. Alternatives to same-breed breeding

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