Inbreeding and Outbreeding

Inbreeding Occurs when close relations bred together. Used by breeder to reinforce desirable characteristics. Can increase the likely hood that an individual might inherit 2 copies of a recessive allele. Therefore recessive genetic diseases are more likely.

Examples of inbreeding A breed of dog call Hungarian Vishners were almost exterminated in WWII. Modern Vishners have a high rate of epilepsy as they stem from a small, inbred, population (genetic bottleneck).

Reason Inbreeding Occurs In may occur due to geographic isolation of a small population. Used to be quite common before easier/faster modes of transport were invented. Cultural isolation (Jewish and amish people). Common in royal families (keeps power in the family).

Consanguineous marriages/matings This is the term used for when close relative breed.

Outbreeding This is when individuals from a different population are brought in for breeding to increase genetic diversity. Often done when breeding endangered animals.