Selective breeding is a process used by humans to develop desired traits in animals or plants by choosing specific individuals to reproduce. For example, if farmers want cows that produce more milk, they will breed those that already produce a lot. Over time, this increases desired characteristics such as high yield, specific colours, disease resistance, or fast growth. However, selective breeding can reduce genetic variation, making the population more vulnerable to diseases. Selective breeding is an important concept in GCSE Biology, showing how humans can influence the traits of living organisms over generations.
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