Inbreeding is the mating of closely related individuals, such as siblings or cousins. This practice can lead to a higher chance of offspring inheriting genetic disorders because they may share harmful recessive genes. Inbreeding is often observed in animal breeding and can affect the health and vitality of the population. In agriculture, inbreeding can be used to produce specific traits in crops or livestock, but it can also reduce genetic diversity. This lack of diversity can make populations more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes, impacting their long-term survival and adaptability.