Logo
Log in
Logo
Log inSign up
Logo

Tools

AI Concept MapsAI Mind MapsAI Study NotesAI FlashcardsAI Quizzes

Resources

BlogTemplate

Info

PricingFAQTeam

info@algoreducation.com

Corso Castelfidardo 30A, Torino (TO), Italy

Algor Lab S.r.l. - Startup Innovativa - P.IVA IT12537010014

Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyTerms and Conditions

Artificial Selection: The Human-Mediated Process of Selective Breeding

Artificial selection, or selective breeding, is the process of breeding plants and animals for specific traits. This practice enhances productivity, growth, and disease resistance in agriculture and livestock. While it offers significant benefits such as improved yields and specialized breeds, it also raises concerns about genetic diversity and organism health.

See more
Open map in editor

1

4

Open map in editor

Want to create maps from your material?

Insert your material in few seconds you will have your Algor Card with maps, summaries, flashcards and quizzes.

Try Algor

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

1

______ selection, known as selective breeding, involves humans breeding plants and animals to encourage desired traits in their progeny.

Click to check the answer

Artificial

2

Initial step in artificial selection

Click to check the answer

Identification of desired traits in organisms.

3

Role of breeders in artificial selection

Click to check the answer

Select individuals with favorable traits for reproduction.

4

Outcome of selective breeding over generations

Click to check the answer

Increased frequency of favorable alleles; amplification of chosen traits.

5

Selective breeding in ______ has enhanced characteristics like ______ in dairy cows and performance qualities in horses.

Click to check the answer

livestock milk production

6

Genetic diversity erosion in artificial selection

Click to check the answer

Selective breeding favors limited traits, reducing gene pool variety, increasing disease susceptibility.

7

Genetic uniformity risks

Click to check the answer

Homogenized genes from artificial selection heighten vulnerability to environmental changes, threatening species sustainability.

8

Unintended propagation of deleterious conditions

Click to check the answer

Artificial selection for certain traits may inadvertently spread harmful genetic conditions, affecting organism health and lifespan.

9

For ______, the aim is to improve aspects such as yield, nutrition, or appearance.

Click to check the answer

crop production

10

In ______ breeding, desirable traits like ______ efficiency and ______ output are prioritized.

Click to check the answer

livestock growth milk

11

Definition of natural selection

Click to check the answer

Evolutionary process where environmental pressures favor organisms with beneficial traits.

12

Definition of artificial selection

Click to check the answer

Human-driven selective breeding of organisms for desired traits, often for immediate needs.

13

Focus difference between natural and artificial selection

Click to check the answer

Natural selection focuses on long-term evolution, artificial targets specific traits for human benefit.

14

______ selection is an intentional process where humans breed organisms to pass on specific ______.

Click to check the answer

Artificial traits

15

The concept of artificial selection was first put forward by ______ ______ and impacts ______ and breeding methods.

Click to check the answer

Charles Darwin agricultural

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Similar Contents

Biology

Genetic Engineering

View document

Biology

Operon Theory

View document

Biology

DNA Structure and Function

View document

Biology

Genetic Inheritance and Punnett Squares

View document

The Principles of Artificial Selection

Artificial selection, also known as selective breeding, is the intentional breeding of plants and animals to promote the occurrence of desirable traits in offspring. This human-mediated process has been a cornerstone of agricultural and livestock development, enabling the cultivation of species with enhanced attributes such as increased productivity, accelerated growth, and improved resistance to diseases. Unlike natural selection, which is an unguided process that favors organisms best suited to survive and reproduce in their natural environment, artificial selection is a purposeful act by humans to propagate specific traits.
Chihuahua, Border Collie, German Shepherd, and English Mastiff standing in profile on a sunny park lawn, showcasing breed characteristics.

The Mechanics and Consequences of Artificial Selection

Artificial selection begins with the identification of desired traits in individual organisms. Breeders select these individuals to reproduce, thereby increasing the frequency of favorable alleles in subsequent generations. This selective breeding is repeated over many generations, amplifying the presence of the chosen traits. While this method can yield remarkable enhancements in certain characteristics, it may also inadvertently promote the proliferation of linked undesirable traits, which can compromise the overall health and viability of the organisms.

The Benefits of Artificial Selection in Agriculture and Livestock

The application of artificial selection in agriculture and animal breeding has brought forth significant advantages. It has enabled the development of crop varieties with superior yields, shorter maturation periods, and greater resilience to environmental stresses. In livestock, selective breeding has been used to amplify traits such as milk production in dairy cows and specific performance attributes in horses. These advancements have not only reduced operational costs but have also facilitated the creation of new breeds and cultivars to support the nutritional demands of an expanding global population.

Ethical and Biological Implications of Selective Breeding

Despite its numerous benefits, artificial selection is not without its challenges. One of the primary concerns is the erosion of genetic diversity, as breeding programs often favor a narrow set of traits, leading to a homogenized gene pool. This genetic uniformity can render populations more susceptible to diseases and other environmental changes, posing a risk to the long-term sustainability of species. Additionally, the focus on specific traits can result in the inadvertent propagation of deleterious genetic conditions, which may affect the welfare and longevity of the organisms involved.

Real-World Applications of Artificial Selection

Artificial selection has been employed in a variety of contexts for centuries. In crop production, the goal is often to enhance yield, nutritional value, or visual appeal. In the breeding of livestock such as cattle, emphasis is placed on traits like growth efficiency and milk production, although this can sometimes lead to unintended consequences such as reduced fertility or overall fitness. Horse breeding, for instance, targets phenotypes conducive to endurance or speed, depending on the racing discipline, resulting in specialized breeds.

Distinguishing Between Artificial and Natural Selection

Artificial selection is distinct from natural selection in several fundamental ways. Natural selection is an evolutionary process driven by environmental pressures that favor the survival and reproduction of organisms with advantageous traits. In contrast, artificial selection is a human-driven process that involves the selective breeding of organisms for specific traits, often with a focus on immediate human needs rather than long-term evolutionary development. The rate of change is typically much faster in artificial selection due to the direct and intentional nature of human intervention.

Concluding Insights on Artificial Selection

Artificial selection is a deliberate process by which humans breed organisms to ensure the inheritance of particular traits. This concept, first articulated by Charles Darwin, has significantly influenced modern agricultural and breeding practices. While it presents opportunities for enhanced food production and the development of specialized breeds, it also carries implications for genetic diversity and the health of organisms. A comprehensive understanding of artificial selection's benefits and potential risks is vital for the ethical and sustainable management of breeding programs and the preservation of biodiversity.