Selective Breeding
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 18.3.4
Artificial Selection
In artificial selection, a deliberate choice is made by humans as to which individuals reproduce together. This is why it is also known as selective breeding.
Why?
- Selective breeding is carried out to produce desirable characteristics in the offspring.
The history of selective breeding
- Humans have done this in farming for thousands of years (with both crops and animals) to promote the genetic characteristics that we view as desirable.
- This practice was around even before genetics was understood.
Test yourself on Selective Breeding
Which of the following statements about selective breeding is false?