interbreed
/'intə'bri:d/
Definition
- Verb:
- To breed or reproduce with members of a different breed, variety, or species: The primary meaning refers to the mating and production of offspring between animals or plants of different genetic groups, such as different breeds, subspecies, or closely related species.
- To crossbreed; to hybridize: This describes the deliberate or natural process of creating hybrids by combining different genetic lines.
Usage and Examples
- Verb:
- Biologists study what happens when closely related species interbreed in the wild.
- To create a new, hardier plant, researchers may interbreed two different varieties of wheat.
- The two subspecies can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, which blurs the line between them.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- Scientific Context: In biology and genetics, "interbreed" is a neutral term describing a reproductive event. Whether the offspring are fertile or sterile depends on the genetic compatibility of the parents.
- Conservation Context: The term is often used in discussions about biodiversity. For example, when rare species interbreed with more common ones, it can lead to genetic swamping or outbreeding depression.
- Distinction from "Inbreed": It is crucial to distinguish "interbreed" (breeding between different groups) from "inbreed" (breeding between closely related individuals within the same group).
Variants and Related Words
- Interbreeding (n): The act or process of interbreeding.
- The interbreeding of wolves and dogs is becoming more common.
- Crossbreed (v/n): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably. As a noun, it refers to the hybrid offspring.
- They managed to crossbreed a lion and a tiger.
- Hybridize (v): Often used in a more technical, especially botanical, context.
- The goal was to hybridize the roses for a unique color.
Synonyms
- Crossbreed
- Hybridize
- Cross
- Cross-fertilize (for plants)
Antonyms
- Inbreed
- Purebreed
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Reproductive isolation: A set of mechanisms that prevent species from interbreeding, a key concept in evolutionary biology.
- Hybrid zone: A geographic area where two populations or species interbreed.
- Fertile hybrid: The result of successful interbreeding where the offspring can themselves reproduce.
Verb
-
breed animals or plants using parents of different races and varieties
-
cross a horse and a donkey
-
Mendel tried crossbreeding
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these species do not interbreed
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