Practicing Success
What is inbreeding depression? |
An increase in the productivity of the inbred population A reduction in fertility and productivity due to continued close inbreeding The process of selecting superior males and females Mating between different species |
A reduction in fertility and productivity due to continued close inbreeding |
The correct answer is Option (2) -A reduction in fertility and productivity due to continued close inbreeding Inbreeding : Inbreeding refers to the mating of more closely related individuals within the same breed for 4- 6 generations. The breeding strategy is as follows – superior males and superior females of the same breed are identified and mated in pairs. Inbreeding increases homozygosity. Thus inbreeding is necessary if we want to evolve a pureline in any animal. Inbreeding exposes harmful recessive genes that are eliminated by selection. It also helps in accumulation of superior genes and elimination of less desirable genes. Therefore, this approach, where there is selection at each step, increases the productivity of inbred population. However, continued inbreeding, especially close inbreeding, usually reduces fertility and even productivity. This is called inbreeding depression. |