selective breeding

• what is selective breeding?

  The process of choosing organisms with desirable traits to breed and produce offspring.
• how does selective breeding work?select individuals with the desired characteristic

  • Identify individuals with desirable traits.
  • Breed these individuals together.
  • Select offspring with the best traits.
  • Repeat over many generations to enhance the traits further.
• What is the main goal of selective breeding?


  To enhance useful or desirable traits in plants or animals.
• What are examples of desirable traits in animals?


  High milk yield, fast growth rate, or disease resistance.
• What is the first step of selective breeding?


  Select parents with the desired traits.
• What happens after the first generation in selective breeding?


  Offspring with the best traits are bred for several generations.
• What is a disadvantage of selective breeding?


  Reduced genetic variation, which can make populations vulnerable to diseases.
• How does selective breeding differ from natural selection?


  Humans control breeding in selective breeding, while nature selects traits in natural selection.
• What are the desired characteristics in farm animals?

  • High productivity (e.g., more milk, meat, or eggs).
  • Faster growth rates.
  • Disease resistance.
  • Good fertility.
  • Calm temperament.
  • Efficient feed conversion.
  • High-quality produce (e.g., better meat or wool).
• Name 2 historic examples of selective breeding.


  1. Domestication of Dogs: Breeding wolves for tameness and specific traits like hunting or herding skills.
  2. Modern Corn: Bred from wild teosinte for larger cobs and more kernels.