noun
- the mating of closely related individuals within a population or family line
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- Inbreeding in small populations can lead to genetic disorders.
- The isolated island community showed signs of inbreeding over generations.
- Dog breeders must be careful to avoid excessive inbreeding.
- Inbreeding depression reduces the fitness of offspring.
- The royal family’s history of inbreeding caused health problems.
- Scientists study inbreeding effects in endangered species.
- Inbreeding increases the likelihood of recessive traits appearing.