The mating of different animals within the same breed is known as?

The mating of different animals within the same breed is accurately described as "outcrossing." Outcrossing involves breeding individuals that may have been unrelated or distantly related within the same breed, which is often done to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risks of inbreeding depression. This practice helps to introduce new genetic traits while maintaining the desired breed characteristics.

In contrast, crossbreeding typically refers to the mating of animals from different breeds, aiming to combine desirable traits from both breeds. Selective breeding focuses on choosing specific animals for breeding based on desired traits, regardless of whether they are within the same breed or across different breeds. Inbreeding, however, refers to the mating of closely related individuals, which can limit genetic diversity and potentially lead to health issues in the offspring. Therefore, outcrossing best describes the mating of different animals within the same breed.