Selective Breeding: Process and Outcomes

Selective breeding involves humans breeding plants and animals for specific traits, such as higher yields or disease resistance. The process is illustrated using dairy cows, where cows with high milk yields and good temperaments are bred. However, selective breeding can reduce genetic diversity, leading to potential issues like vulnerability to diseases and inherited defects, as seen in certain dog breeds like bulldogs.

What is selective breeding and how does it work?

What are some desirable characteristics that might be selected in dairy cows?

What are the potential negative outcomes of selective breeding?

How can selective breeding lead to a reduction in genetic variation?

What is inbreeding and how can it affect animal breeds?