Does inbreeding lead to decreased human fertility

摘要: In most Western countries there is a widespread belief, fostered in part by historical prejudice and religious proscription, that inbreeding human populations causes reduction fertility. Support for this belief has been claimed HLA-based studies, with increased rates of fetal losses suggested HLA-compatible unions. To critically assess the overall status fertility consanguineous unions, data on 30 resident six were collated from systematic review literature. The mean numbers live births then compared four consanguinity test categories, ranging second cousin to uncle-niece/double first cousin, corresponding non-consanguineous reference groups. Linear regressions indicated positive association between at all levels inbreeding, attaining statistical significance level (p < 0.0001). results were, however, subject number potential limitations, particular lack control important socio-demographic variables. overcome problem, marriages abstracted National Family Health Survey conducted India during 1992-1993. Multivariate analysis showed unions was positively influenced variables, including illiteracy, earlier age marriage lower contraceptive uptake, but these parameters duration reproductive compensation. net terms, not found be associated either significant or negative effect