Selective Breeding: Process and Consequences
This page delves deeper into the process of selective breeding and its potential consequences. It begins by emphasizing the importance of selecting the largest female organism for breeding purposes.
The text then outlines the stages of selective breeding:
- Desired characteristics from a mixed population are bred together.
- Offspring are continually bred using genetic engineering to produce the desired characteristics.
- Normal reproduction is avoided as it would cause variation.
Highlight: The process of selective breeding involves careful selection and controlled reproduction to maintain and enhance specific traits.
However, the page also highlights the disadvantages of selective breeding:
Quote: "Selective breeding greatly reduces the variety of alleles in a population. If environmental conditions were to change (climate change or disease), it is possible that the species could not adapt and they could all die."
This statement underscores a critical issue with selective breeding - the reduction of genetic diversity. While selective breeding can produce organisms with highly desirable traits, it also narrows the gene pool, potentially making the population more vulnerable to environmental changes or diseases.
Vocabulary: Alleles are different versions of the same gene. A diverse pool of alleles in a population contributes to genetic variability and adaptability.
The text implies that breeding closely related organisms (inbreeding) may cause problems, although it doesn't elaborate on these issues. This is an important consideration in selective breeding programs.
Example: In dog breeding, excessive inbreeding can lead to health problems such as hip dysplasia in certain breeds.
Overall, this page presents a balanced view of selective breeding, acknowledging its benefits while also warning about its potential risks to long-term species survival and adaptability.
