The News
Inbreeding has a positive effect for some
BONN, Germany, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Breeding between close relatives is believed unfavorable from an evolutionary standpoint, but a Germany study finds it might be good for some species.
Inbreeding is viewed negatively, in part because it allows harmful mutations to be more easily propagated, although theory predicts under some circumstances, the benefits of inbreeding might outweigh the costs.
University of Bonn researchers report gaining evidence in support of that theory. Studying an African chiclid fish species, Pelvicachromis taetiatus, in which both parents participate in brood care, the researchers found individuals preferred mating with unfamiliar close kin rather than non-kin.
One possible explanation for kin preference in breeding in that species is that it offers a benefit by facilitating parental cooperation, the researchers said.

The Research
Read the article behind this story in the journal Current Biology