outcrossing

outcrossing

A farmer encourages outcrossing by planting two varieties of corn in the same field.

Definition
  1. Noun (Biology/Genetics):
    • The act of breeding individuals from different strains, breeds, or varieties within the same species: "Outcrossing" refers to the deliberate mating of genetically unrelated individuals to introduce new genetic material and increase genetic diversity.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Outcrossing is commonly used in animal breeding to prevent inbreeding depression. (Breeding unrelated animals to avoid health problems from inbreeding.)
    • The plant breeder practiced outcrossing to enhance resilience to disease. (Mating different plant varieties to improve resistance.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Outcrossing rate": the frequency or proportion of outcrossing events in a population.

    • The outcrossing rate in wild sunflowers is estimated to be over 90%. (Most reproduction involves mating between different plants.)

  • "Outcrossing depression": reduced fitness or performance in offspring resulting from outcrossing (less common than inbreeding depression).

    • In some highly adapted species, outcrossing can lead to outcrossing depression due to disruption of local adaptations. (Mixing unrelated individuals reduces adaptation to the local environment.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Outcross (verb): to breed by outcrossing.

    • Farmers often outcross their cattle to improve herd health. (They mate unrelated cows and bulls.)

  • Outcross (noun): an individual produced by outcrossing.

    • The outcross showed stronger growth than its inbred parents. (The hybrid offspring was more vigorous.)
Synonyms
  • Crossbreeding: the process of mating individuals from different breeds or lines.
  • Exogamy: mating between individuals from different groups (especially in social or biological contexts).
  • Heterosis (related): the increased vigor often seen in offspring from outcrossing, also called hybrid vigor.
Related Idioms
  • "Outcrossing to restore vigor": a common practice in conservation biology.
    • The zoo used outcrossing to restore vigor in the endangered wolf population. (They introduced new genes to improve health and fertility.)