5.10 - 5.11 biology : selective breeding

what is selective breeding

the process by which humans choose desired characteristics shown in a species and only those individuals with these characteristics are bred. The character is inherited by the offspring. Again only the offspring with the desired characteristics are allowed to be breed. Over time a population of individuals will only have those desired characteristics. Process repeated

desirable characteristics in plants

larger, tastier fruit

higher nutrient content

resistance to pests and drought

faster growing

what desirable characteristic in animals

more milk/eggs produced

more meat

faster growing animals

pets - more docile/cute

why is sperm diluted into many different vials

so many animals can be impregnated by the sperm as quickly as possible, easier to transport semen than animal, only one sperm is needed to fertilize egg so less wastage of sperm

what is artificial insemination

sperm is collected from a male and stored until needed. introduction of sperm from a male into a female using artificial methods, so male is not needed to be present/ no sexual intercourse