Dictionary > Crossbreeding

Crossbreeding

Definition
noun
The act or process of producing offspring by mating purebred individuals of different breeds or varieties
Supplement
Crossbreeding is defined as the process or the act of producing offspring particularly through mating two purebred individuals but come from different breeds, varieties, or even species. When it is usually done with the intent of producing offspring that would acquire desired traits of the parent lineages the process is specifically referred to as designer crossbreeding. This is commonly practiced by breeders, especially when the desired traits would be beneficial to the offspring, such as when its biological fitness is enhanced. An example of such type of breeding is a cross between two known breeds of dogs. Through planned crossbreeding, crossbred dogs with increased vigor have become popularly referred to as designer dogs. Although crossbreeding does result in producing better offspring and expanding the genetic pool, cautionary measures should still be upheld. An irresponsible crossbreeding may also produce animals of inferior quality and could weaken purebred gene pool.
Crossbreeding is sometimes used synonymously with hybridization. In particular though, hybridization is a process to produce offspring (referred to as hybrid) by crossing two parents of different species.
Synonym:

See also:

  • true breeding
  • Related form(s):

    • crossbreed (verb, noun)
    • crossbred (adjective, noun)


    You will also like...

    Schematic diagram of DNA replication
    DNA Structure & DNA Replication

    DNA is a double helix structure comprised of nucleotides. A nucleotide, in turn, is made up of phosphate molecule, deoxy..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Muscle
    Muscle

    Muscle cells are specialized to generate force and movement. Learn about the different types of muscle tissues in this t..

    Freshwater aquatic plankton
    Freshwater Communities & Plankton

    Planktons are microscopic organisms that live suspended in aquatic habitats. There are two groups: the phytoplanktons an..

    sponge
    Primitive Animals

    Life, as we know it today, is presumed to have started in the sea and many of them were likely eukaryotic animal-like or..

    Birth Control and Contraception
    Birth Control and Contraception

    Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics