University of East Anglia - Don't keep it in the family

The effects of inbreeding among flour beetles are being investigated in a three-year study at the University of East Anglia. It is hoped that the research will help to protect numerous endangered species around the world that are declining as a result of inbreeding. "When a species is under threat, it is difficult to be sure whether inbreeding or other stresses are responsible for declines in numbers," said Matthew Gage, who is leading the study at the university.