Inbreeding

usgb/ˈɪnbriːdɪŋ/
noun

The process where animals or plants who are very closely related have offspring together.

Inbreeding among the royal families of Europe was common in medieval times.
Visual representation of "inbreeding" - The process where animals or plants who are very closely related have offspring together

Often appears as...

  • inbreeding depression
  • inbreeding coefficient

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Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "inbreeding"
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Negative Connotations

Inbreeding often implies negative effects on health and genetic diversity.

Illustration for Negative Connotations
The captive population showed signs of health decline due to inbreeding.
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Historical Reference

Historically practiced among royalty and aristocracy to maintain lineage.

Illustration for Historical Reference
Historical documents reveal inbreeding within the monarchy to keep the bloodline pure.
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Genetic Context

In genetic discussions, inbreeding can lead to a high degree of shared DNA.

Illustration for Genetic Context
Scientists measured the inbreeding levels through shared genetic markers.
Visual representation of the word "Inbreeding"

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