What does interbreeding mean?
Interbreeding means the reproduction of organisms from different populations, varieties, or species. It usually carries a biological meaning and can refer both to the mating process and to the mixing of genes that results from it. The consequences depend on the organisms involved: interbreeding may introduce useful genetic diversity, spread adaptive traits, or produce hybrids, but it may also weaken distinctions between populations and dilute adaptations suited to a particular environment. Conservationists often try to prevent interbreeding when genetically distinct populations need to remain separate, while animal breeders may encourage it to combine desirable characteristics. In human contexts, the term is sometimes used technically, but intermarriage is generally clearer and more appropriate. The related verb interbreed is less common than the gerund interbreeding, although both are standard.
verbTo breed organisms from different populations, varieties, or species, producing offspring with ancestry from both groups. It can also refer to the intermingling of genes when such groups reproduce.
- The reproduction of organisms from different populations, varieties, or species.
- The transfer and mixing of genes between distinct populations through reproduction.
"The reserve protects the wolves from interbreeding with domestic dogs."
"Botanists studied the effects of interbreeding between two populations of wild grass."
"Restrictive breeding practices were introduced to prevent the captive population from interbreeding with wild animals."
Interbreeding can mix beneficial genetic diversity into a population, but it can also dilute distinct local adaptations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interbreeding come from?
Interbreeding was formed by combining the Latin prefix inter-, meaning 'between' or 'among,' with breed and the present participle ending -ing. The verb breed itself comes from Middle English breden, inherited ultimately from a Germanic word meaning 'to bring forth young.' The prefix gives interbreeding its sense of reproduction across distinct groups rather than within a single population.
Related word forms
How interbreeding is actually used
This term is most common in biology, ecology, genetics, and animal breeding. It is normally used when the groups involved are genetically or geographically distinct; for people, the more usual expression is intermarriage.
Easily confused with interbreeding
Interbreeding occurs between genetically distinct populations or species, whereas inbreeding occurs among closely related members of the same population.
Interbreeding is the general process of reproduction across different populations, while outbreeding specifically describes mating with an individual from a different, usually unrelated, population.