What type of breeding is characterized by the mating of closely related individuals?

Inbreeding is characterized by the mating of closely related individuals, such as siblings or parents with offspring. This practice can amplify desirable traits within a population, as it increases the likelihood that offspring will inherit them. Additionally, inbreeding can reveal recessive genetic conditions since closely related individuals may carry similar genetic traits.

This method of breeding is often used in agriculture and animal husbandry to stabilize certain characteristics in breeds or strains. However, it can also lead to a higher risk of genetic disorders and a decrease in genetic diversity, making the population more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.

Cloning is a distinct process that involves creating a genetically identical copy of an organism. Hybridization refers to the mating of individuals from different breeds or species to create hybrids, while selective breeding focuses on choosing specific organisms with desired traits to produce offspring. Each of these methods differs fundamentally from inbreeding in its approach to genetic variation and trait enhancement.