Inbreeding is the mating of individuals who are closely related, such as siblings or cousins. This practice can lead to a higher chance of offspring inheriting genetic disorders or health issues due to the limited genetic diversity. It is often observed in certain animal breeding programs and can also occur in isolated human populations. In agriculture, inbreeding is sometimes used to produce specific traits in crops or livestock. However, excessive inbreeding can reduce the overall fitness of a population, making it more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes. Maintaining genetic diversity is crucial for the health of both animals and plants.