The Risks of Selective Breeding
While selective breeding gives us useful crops and pets, it comes with a significant biological cost.
What is inbreeding?
What is The Risks of Selective Breeding?
"Inbreeding is the production of offspring from the mating or breeding of individuals or organisms that are closely related genetically."
What is selective breeding?
A mutation changes the order of bases in a gene. What may happen next?
Which parent determines the sex of a baby in humans?
What is selective breeding?
Downsides of Artificial Selection
Reduces the "gene pool" (genetic diversity) of the population.
Increases the chance of offspring inheriting harmful recessive disorders (Inbreeding).
The whole population is more vulnerable to new diseases.
Many pedigree dog breeds suffer from specific genetic health problems due to inbreeding.
Want to improve faster?
The fastest way to improve your grade is to practise exam-style questions, identify your gaps, and focus only on what you don't know.
Related GCSE Biology Questions
Verified for 2024/25 Exams
Aligned to current UK Science Specifications
Little & Often Content Team
Science Education Specialists