Q.14 What is artificial selection? Explain it.
Answer:
Definition
Artificial selection (or selective breeding) means intentional breeding between individuals for certain traits or combination of traits.

Historical Background
(a) Abu Rayhan Biruni
The term artificial selection was ‘expressed by the Persian scientist Abu Rayhan Biruni in the 11th century.
(b) Charles Darwin Charles Darwin also used this term in his work on natural selection. He noted that many domesticated animals and plants had special properties that were developed by:
• Intentional breeding among individuals with desirable characteristics;
• Discouraging the breeding of individuals with less desirable characteristics.
Desirable characteristics
Animals or plants having desirable characteristics are selected for breeding. In this way, many new generations with desirable characteristics are produced.

Breeds
In artificial selection, the bred animals are known as breeds.
Varieties or Cultivars
In artificial selection, bred plants are known as varieties or cultivars.
Examples
(i) Numerous breeds of sheep, goat, cow, hen etc have been produced by artificial selection to
increase the production of wool, meat, milk, eggs etc.
(ii) Similarly, varieties of plants have been produced for better quantity and quality of cereals, fruits
and vegetables.