word

Selective Breeding

suh-LEK-tiv BREE-ding

/səˈlektɪv ˈbriːdɪŋ/

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Syllable breakdown

selectivebreeding

Dictionary meaning

The intentional mating of animals with desirable heritable traits in order to produce offspring that carry those traits; the foundation of animal husbandry and modern livestock improvement.

Examples

Selective breeding over centuries transformed wolves into the diverse dog breeds we know today.
Selective breeding programs have increased milk yields dramatically in dairy cattle.

Synonyms: artificial selection, controlled breeding

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