selective mating

[sɪˈlɛktɪv ˈmeɪtɪŋ]
noun
acasalamento seletivo
1. The process in which individuals choose mates based on specific characteristics, preferences, or criteria rather than mating randomly
Selective mating in humans often involves choosing partners with desired physical or personality traits.
O acasalamento seletivo em humanos geralmente envolve a escolha de parceiros com características físicas ou de personalidade desejadas.
2. In evolutionary biology and genetics, the non-random pairing of organisms that leads to changes in allele frequencies in a population
Selective mating can influence the genetic composition of future generations.
O acasalamento seletivo pode influenciar a composição genética de gerações futuras.
3. In animal husbandry and agriculture, the deliberate breeding of animals with specific desired traits
Selective mating of livestock has produced breeds with improved productivity.
O acasalamento seletivo de gado produziu raças com produtividade melhorada.
This term is primarily used in scientific, academic, and agricultural contexts in both Brazil and the United States. In Portugal, 'cruzamento seletivo' is often preferred when discussing animal breeding. The concept is fundamental to understanding evolution, population genetics, and modern breeding programs for livestock and crops.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
assortative matingnon-random matingpreferential matingselective breeding
Antonyms / Antônimos
random matingpanmixia

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
acasalamento seletivo
Standard term used in scientific and academic contexts
Portugal
cruzamento seletivo
Also commonly used, especially in agricultural contexts
São Paulo
acasalamento seletivo
Predominantly used in universities and research institutions
General American English
selective mating
Primary term in evolutionary biology and genetics literature

Related Words

sexual selectionmate choicereproductive isolationgenetic driftevolutionheritabilityinbreedingoutbreeding

Related Idioms & Phrases

like attracts like
birds of a feather flock together
choosing a mate based on complementary traits
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