6.2.3

Selective Breeding 2

Test yourself

Uses of Selective Breeding

Usefulness and appearance are the two most common reasons for a characteristic being considered desirable. Some useful examples are:

Illustrative background for CropsIllustrative background for Crops ?? "content

Crops

  • Disease resistance in food crops is a useful characteristic because it improves yield (food production productivity).
Illustrative background for AnimalsIllustrative background for Animals ?? "content

Animals

  • In farming, animals that produce more milk or meat are also useful for yield-related reasons.
Illustrative background for DogsIllustrative background for Dogs ?? "content

Dogs

  • Gentle-natured domestic dogs are useful as these animals must co-exist (live with) with humans.
Illustrative background for FlowersIllustrative background for Flowers ?? "content

Flowers

  • Flowers can be selected based on visual criteria, such as size or colour.

Dangers of Selective Breeding

Selective breeding can create some problems:

Illustrative background for InbreedingIllustrative background for Inbreeding ?? "content

Inbreeding

  • Selective breeding can lead to inbreeding. Here, some breeds become particularly susceptible to disease or inherited defects.
    • For example, French bulldogs have been selectively bred to have flat faces, but that causes them breathing problems.
Illustrative background for Reduced variationIllustrative background for Reduced variation ?? "content

Reduced variation

  • Selective breeding can reduce variation (differences in characteristics) within a population, making it harder for a species to adapt to environmental change.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson