interbred

Interbreeding is the mating and production of offspring between individuals from different genetic lineages, populations, or species. Within a single species, crosses between distinct populations or breeds enable gene flow and genetic mixing. When crosses occur between more distant lineages, the offspring may be hybrids with varying viability and fertility.

Genetic outcomes depend on relatedness and compatibility. Intraspecific interbreeding (within a species) can increase genetic diversity and influence traits. Hybrids from more distant crosses may be viable but sterile (hybrid inviability or sterility), or exhibit reduced fitness (outbreeding depression). Sometimes, however, crosses produce hybrids with enhanced performance, a phenomenon known as heterosis.

Interbreeding affects evolution, taxonomy, and biodiversity management. Hybrid zones form where populations meet, and introgression can spread adaptive alleles between groups. In plants, hybridization is widespread and a common tool in breeding to combine desirable traits. In animals, hybridization occurs naturally and under human control but can threaten native lineages when introduced.

In humans, interbreeding refers to intermarriage or admixture between people of different ancestral backgrounds. Genetic admixture increases diversity within populations and can shift allele frequencies over generations, while cultural and social factors shape how interbreeding occurs.

Overall, interbred describes offspring resulting from such matings, and reflects ongoing genetic exchange that influences evolution and population structure.