Inbreeding depression and heterosis are both related to the consequences of genetic variation and mating practices, but they have opposite effects.
Inbreeding depression refers to the negative effects that occur when closely related individuals breed, resulting in a decrease in fitness and overall health of a population. It occurs because when individuals with similar genetic makeup reproduce, there is a higher chance of inheriting harmful recessive alleles and genetic defects. Inbreeding depression can lead to reduced fertility, low survival rates, and increased susceptibility to diseases and other stressors. This phenomenon is often observed in small or isolated populations with limited genetic diversity.
On the other hand, heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor or outbreeding enhancement, is the opposite of inbreeding depression. It refers to the increased fitness and characteristics of offspring resulting from breeding individuals from different genetic backgrounds or unrelated individuals. Hybrid vigor occurs due to the introduction of new genetic variation, resulting in offspring that possess the best traits of both parents. This can lead to improved growth, fertility, disease resistance, and overall adaptability.
In summary, inbreeding depression occurs when closely related individuals breed, leading to a decrease in fitness and health, while heterosis is the increased fitness and characteristics observed in offspring resulting from breeding unrelated individuals or different genetic backgrounds.
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What is the difference between inbreeding depression and heterosis?
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