Disadvantages of Inbreeding
Which of the following is/are disadvantage(s) of inbreeding-
- Frequency of undesirable recessive genes is increased
- It results in inbreeding depression
- Inbred animals are more prone to environmental changes
- All the above — Correct Answer
Explanation:
Correct Answer: All the above
Inbreeding consistently increases homozygosity. While it has strategic applications in breeding, its disadvantages are significant and well-documented.
Disadvantages of Inbreeding
| Disadvantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Increased undesirable recessive genes | Inbreeding brings hidden lethal/sub-lethal recessive alleles to homozygous state where they are expressed — increasing their visible frequency |
| Inbreeding depression | Loss of vigor, fertility, survival, production, and immune competence; greatest in traits with low h² (reproductive, fitness traits) |
| Susceptibility to environment | Highly homozygous (inbred) animals lose genetic resilience; reduced genetic variance → poor buffering against disease outbreaks, environmental stress, nutritional challenges |
Inbreeding Depression — Most Affected Traits
- Most affected: Reproductive traits, fitness traits, viability/survival traits (low h²; governed by non-additive gene action)
- Least affected: Highly heritable traits like carcass quality, fleece weight (high h²; governed by additive gene action)
📚 About this Topic — Animal Genetics & Breeding
This multiple choice question is from Animal Genetics & Breeding, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Genetics & Breeding to strengthen your preparation.
