What are the effects of inbreeding? | BBC Earth

Inbreeding in animals basically means mating relatives—siblings, parents‑offspring, cousins, etc. When that happens, a few things tend to show up: - *Hidden genetic problems surface*: recessive genes that were masked get paired up, so you see more birth defects, weak immune systems, or higher disease rates. - *Fertility drops*: litters or claws become smaller, and sometimes the animals can’t reproduce at all. - *Growth and performance slow down*: the offspring often put on less weight, produce l

Wildlife & Animals on Instagram: "Simba, a lion born with a genetic abnormality, is a heartbreaking example of the consequences of inbreeding in captivity. His weakened body and unusual features are a stark reminder of the suffering these practices can cause. A lion with a genetic abnormality in captivity is an unusual and concerning sight. These issues often arise when animals are bred within small or poorly managed facilities, where closely related lions are mated. Inbreeding increases the lik