Inbredálás

Inbredálás is a term primarily used in genetics and animal breeding to describe the mating of closely related individuals. This practice results in offspring that have a higher degree of homozygosity, meaning they are more likely to inherit two identical copies of a gene from their parents. In controlled breeding programs, inbredálás is often employed to create purebred lines of animals or plants with specific desirable traits. By repeatedly mating related individuals, breeders aim to fix these traits, making them more pronounced and consistent across generations. This process can lead to increased uniformity within a population.

However, inbredálás also carries significant risks. The increased homozygosity means that recessive genes, including those that cause genetic disorders, are more likely to be expressed. This phenomenon is known as inbreeding depression. Inbreeding depression can manifest as reduced fertility, lower growth rates, increased susceptibility to diseases, and a general decline in the overall health and vigor of the offspring. Therefore, while inbredálás can be a powerful tool for developing specific characteristics, it requires careful management and often necessitates the introduction of new genetic material from unrelated lines to mitigate the negative effects of inbreeding depression. The practice is carefully regulated in many contexts to ensure animal welfare and maintain genetic diversity.