Question

Robert Bakewell is attributed to being the inventor of selective breeding in the 1700’s. During this time, other farmers allowed their cattle to remain together and mate randomly but Robert separated the male cattle from the female cattle on his farm to control their breeding (Encyclopedia Britannica, 08/2013). Which of the following is the MOST reasonable question a student interviewing Mr. Bakewell should ask?AHow did you breed the cattle?BWhere did you keep the male and female cattle?CWhat traits were you trying to control in the cattle?DWho inspired you to separate your cattle for breeding?

Answer 1

Robert Bakewell is an agriculturist that revolutionized sheep and cattle breeding in England. He inherited his father's farm and he innovated brreding techniques. He separated his male and female livestocks to prevent random breeding. He further advanced a method that tells desirable traits were exaggerated by inbreeding and undesirable traits were removed from the breeding population.

C. What traits were you trying to control in the cattle?