Description: Inbreeding depression refers to the reduction of biological fitness in a population due to inbreeding, which is the reproduction between genetically related individuals. This phenomenon can result in decreased genetic diversity, which in turn can lead to increased vulnerability to diseases, reduced adaptability to the environment, and lower fertility. Biologically, inbreeding can increase the likelihood of harmful recessive genetic traits being expressed, negatively impacting the health and well-being of individuals. Inbreeding depression is an important concept in conservation biology, genetics, and animal breeding, as it highlights the importance of maintaining genetically diverse populations to ensure their long-term viability. This phenomenon is observed not only in wild species but also in domestic populations, where selective breeding can lead to a concentration of undesirable genes. In summary, inbreeding depression is a phenomenon that underscores the importance of genetic diversity in the health and survival of populations.
