Explain Inbreeding.
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Inbreeding: The Consequence of Close Genetic Relationships
Inbreeding is a breeding practice in which individuals who share a close genetic relationship, typically close relatives or individuals within a small, isolated population, reproduce. The result is an increased probability of offspring inheriting identical alleles from both parents, leading to a higher prevalence of genetic disorders and reduced genetic diversity within the population.
Inbreeding exposes recessive genetic traits that may be harmful or deleterious, as there is a greater likelihood of these recessive alleles being paired. Over successive generations of inbreeding, the frequency of homozygous individuals for these detrimental alleles rises, potentially leading to a decline in overall population fitness.
The negative consequences of inbreeding are well-documented in both human and animal populations. To mitigate the risks associated with inbreeding, populations often rely on outbreeding, introducing new genetic material by mating with unrelated individuals. Understanding and managing inbreeding is crucial in conservation biology, agriculture, and human genetics to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations and reduce the prevalence of genetic disorders.