Inbreedi

Inbreedi refers to the practice or outcome of mating between individuals who are closely related, leading to higher genetic relatedness between the parents and a greater proportion of the offspring’s genome identical by descent. In many contexts the term is used interchangeably with inbreeding, though some discussions distinguish the mating pattern from its genetic consequences.

The main genetic effect of inbreedi is increased homozygosity across the genome. This can reveal recessive variants that are normally hidden in outbred matings, potentially reducing fitness. The severity of these effects, known as inbreeding depression, depends on the degree of relatedness, the size of the population, and the existing load of deleterious alleles. Small or isolated populations are especially vulnerable.

Contexts for inbreedi vary. In natural populations, occasional inbreedi can occur in fragmented or tiny groups. In agriculture and animal breeding, controlled inbreedi or linebreeding is used to fix desirable traits and preserve lines, but it requires careful management to avoid health costs. In humans, consanguineous unions occur in certain cultural contexts and are associated with higher risks for recessive genetic disorders, alongside social and ethical considerations.

Measurement and management of inbreedi rely on tools such as the inbreeding coefficient (F) and runs of homozygosity. Breeding programs may mitigate risks by outcrossing, introducing unrelated individuals, or maintaining sufficient effective population sizes to preserve genetic diversity.