February 28-March 3

📝 Key Concepts Covered:

1️⃣ Selective Breeding

• The process of breeding plants or animals to enhance specific traits.

• Common in farming, pet breeding, and livestock production.

• Example: Dog breeds like Golden Retrievers and Dalmatians were selectively bred for certain traits.

2️⃣ Hybridization

• The process of crossing two different species or genetic lines to create a hybrid with desirable traits.

• Hybrids often have a mix of traits from both parents but may face reproductive challenges.

• Examples:

  • Mule (horse + donkey) – stronger than both parents but sterile.

  • Liger (lion + tiger) – larger than both parents but struggles in the wild.

3️⃣ Inbreeding

• The mating of closely related individuals to preserve genetic traits.

• Can lead to genetic disorders and reduced diversity over time.

• Example: Cheetahs have low genetic diversity due to past population bottlenecks, leading to breeding challenges.

4️⃣ Real-World Examples of Hybridization

• Wholphin (whale + dolphin) – a rare marine hybrid with a mix of both parents' traits.

• Pizzly Bear (polar bear + grizzly bear) – a hybrid seen in warming Arctic environments.

• Neanderthal & Human DNA – Evidence suggests modern humans interbred with Neanderthals, contributing 1-4% of human DNA.

🔬 Activities Completed:

✅ Hybrid Analysis Notes & Reading – Defined key terms and analyzed real-world examples of hybrids.
✅ Hybrid Analysis Response Pages – Answered questions on the benefits and challenges of hybridization.

🌍 Why This Matters:

Understanding hybridization and selective breeding helps explain how humans shape the genetic diversity of plants and animals. These processes impact agriculture, conservation, medicine, and evolution!

✅ Great job exploring genetics in action! Keep thinking about how genes influence survival and adaptation in different environments. 🧬🔬✨