INBREEDING AVOIDANCE IN ANIMALS

The phenomenon of inbreeding depression is well documented and behavio ral adaptations for inbreeding avoidance have been described. However, there is debate over whether inbreeding depression is always an impor tant selective force on behavior. Here, we summarize recent evidence f or inbreeding depression under natural conditions, review inbreeding a voidance mechanisms, and discuss how these are influenced by social st ructure. We also examine the idea that animals have evolved mechanisms to avoid outbreeding.