Inbreeding vs Diversity
By Loren Bolinger, Friday, August 05, 2005

Argument [7/10/2005]

While inbreeding generally results in a decrease in diversity, I believe this statement must be qualified. Male inbreeding, especially excess male inbreeding over several generations results in a decrease of diversity and it also tends to adversely affect the ability to express or trigger the expression of performance traits, it may well also increase a tendency for conformational flaws.

Balanced-sex inbreeding has a much more moderate effect on diversity and does not diminish it in the same way as excess male inbreeding. Inbreeding to female influences somewhat inexplicably strengthens existing diversity possibly through increased preservation [reinforcement] of matrilines. The effect may be due to redressing the [ratio] balance between the unequaled reproductive productivity between males (breeding many) and females (producing few) in favor of the female (through the reinforcement of maternal inheritance).

-Loren Bolinger