Explanation could include the purpose and methods of controlled breeding of domestic animals to improve desirable traits, including but not limited to,
- factors affecting annual genetic improvement
- EPDs and EBVs
- cloning
- breeding system design (e.g., straightbreeding or crossbreeding [purebreeding, inbreeding, linebreeding, closebreeding, outcrossing, grading-up])
- bioengineering (e.g., transgenic salmon)
- improvement in health, adaptability, and production (e.g., disease resistance, climate adaptability, animal feed efficiency, desirable traits)
- reduction in environmental impacts.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is the earliest archaeological evidence of selective breeding?
- What are the advantages of selective breeding? Disadvantages?
- What are the differences between selective breeding and natural selection?
- How did selective breeding influence domestication?
- How can selective breeding be used to reduce diseases and improve product quality?
- What are some characteristics that are highly desirable to pass on to offspring?
- How can cloning and genetic altering produce genetic superiority?
- What are some ethical concerns and implications of cloning?