Inbreeding depression

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Inbreeding depression is a phenomenon in biology that refers to the reduced biological fitness in a given population as a result of inbreeding, or breeding of related individuals. This process can lead to a decrease in the population's ability to survive and reproduce, which can have significant implications for the population's long-term survival.

Overview

Inbreeding depression is caused by the increased expression of deleterious recessive alleles due to inbreeding. This can lead to a decrease in the population's overall fitness, as individuals with these alleles are more likely to have reduced survival or reproductive success. Inbreeding depression can occur in both plants and animals, and is a major concern in conservation biology, particularly for species with small population sizes.

Causes

The primary cause of inbreeding depression is the increased expression of deleterious recessive alleles due to inbreeding. When related individuals mate, their offspring are more likely to inherit two copies of these alleles, which can lead to a decrease in fitness. Other factors that can contribute to inbreeding depression include a decrease in genetic diversity and an increase in the expression of harmful mutations.

Effects

The effects of inbreeding depression can be severe, and can include a decrease in survival and reproductive success, a decrease in the population's overall fitness, and an increased risk of extinction. In some cases, inbreeding depression can lead to the extinction of a population or species.

Prevention

Preventing inbreeding depression is a major focus of conservation biology. Strategies for preventing inbreeding depression include maintaining large population sizes, promoting gene flow between populations, and managing breeding programs to avoid inbreeding.

See also

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia

Inbreeding_depression

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD