What is the term for the breeding method that allows only organisms with desired characteristics to produce the next generation?

The term for the breeding method that allows only organisms with desired characteristics to produce the next generation is selective breeding. This technique involves choosing specific plants or animals that exhibit favorable traits to mate and produce offspring, ensuring that those traits are passed on. Selective breeding has been used for centuries in agriculture and animal husbandry to enhance desirable qualities, such as size, resistance to disease, and increased yield.

In contrast, hybridization refers to the crossing of two different species or varieties to produce hybrids, which may not necessarily focus on selecting for specific desired traits but rather on combining characteristics from both parent organisms. Inbreeding is a more narrowly defined practice that involves breeding closely related individuals to maintain specific traits, but it can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity and potential health issues. Gene therapy, on the other hand, is a medical technique used to treat or prevent diseases by modifying genes, and it does not pertain to breeding strategies. Each of the other options serves different purposes within biology and genetics, but selective breeding is specifically focused on enhancing particular characteristics through controlled reproduction.