Crossbreeding
Crossbreeding (pronunciation: /ˈkrɒsbriːdɪŋ/) is a biological process that involves the mating of individuals from two different breeds or species to produce offspring with a mix of traits from both parents. The term is most commonly used in the context of animal and plant breeding.
Etymology
The term "crossbreeding" is derived from the English words "cross," meaning to go across or intersect, and "breeding," which refers to the process of producing offspring. It has been in use since the 19th century to describe the practice of mating different breeds or species to produce hybrid offspring.
Process
Crossbreeding involves the mating of two individuals from different breeds or species. The offspring produced as a result of this process are known as hybrids. These hybrids often exhibit a mix of traits from both parents, a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor or heterosis. This can result in offspring that are healthier, larger, or more productive than their parents.
Applications
Crossbreeding is widely used in agriculture to improve the characteristics of livestock and crops. For example, in cattle breeding, crossbreeding can be used to produce cows that produce more milk, have better meat quality, or are more resistant to disease. Similarly, in plant breeding, crossbreeding can be used to produce crops that are more resistant to pests, have higher yields, or have better nutritional value.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Crossbreeding
- Wikipedia's article - Crossbreeding
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