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Biology/Animal Behavior: Inbreeding

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Expert: - 3/7/2010


Question
Sir,

Is it possible for any animal whatever to mate with its young or parents, just as it is reported today that some human beings have intercourse with their children and vice versa?

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Olaniyi,

Yes, it is physically possible for almost any organism to mate with its offspring or parents.  Matings between closely related individuals is known as inbreeding.  The problems arise when both family members carry genes for harmful traits, but don't express them because they are recessive.  (A recessive trait is carried "silently" because one needs two copies of an identical recessive gene--one from each parent--for it to be expressed in the individual who has it.)  

Thus, inbreeding can result in a much higher likelihood of the expression of harmful, recessive genetic traits than if the individuals mated with random, non-related members of their species.  This applies to all animals, including humans.

Dana

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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