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# inbreeding

noun (inbreeding — uncountable); verb «inbreed» (inbreed, inbreeds, inbred, inbreeding)

«inbreeding» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (biology) Breeding between closely related animals or plants, such as brothers and sisters or parents and offspring.
2. The health problems that can come from this, because harmful hidden genes are more likely to show up.

### In the lessons

In science lessons on inheritance and conservation, inbreeding is a danger for small animal populations (cheetahs, rare zoo animals) and some dog breeds; zoos swap animals to avoid it. In history, some royal families married close relatives, which caused illnesses. Phrases: avoid inbreeding, inbreeding in dogs, signs of inbreeding.

### Examples

- Zoos swap animals with other zoos to avoid inbreeding.
- Cheetahs are at risk because of inbreeding in small groups.
- Some pedigree dog breeds have health problems from inbreeding.
- Inbreeding makes it more likely that babies inherit illnesses.
- Farmers bring in a new bull to stop inbreeding in their herd.
- Some old royal families suffered from inbreeding.

### Note

Uncountable. Opposite: «outbreeding» or mixing genes from different families, which gives variety. Adjective «inbred». Calling a person «inbred» is a nasty insult; don't use it.