noun
- the breeding of genetically unrelated individuals, especially to avoid inbreeding
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- Outbreeding helps maintain genetic diversity in animal populations.
- The zoo’s breeding program emphasizes outbreeding to prevent genetic defects.
- Wild populations naturally practice outbreeding through mate selection.
- Outbreeding depression can occur when distant populations are crossed.
- Conservation biologists study outbreeding patterns in endangered species.
- Plant breeders use outbreeding to develop new crop varieties.