Which practice involves intentionally influencing specific traits in organisms?

Artificial selection is the practice that involves intentionally influencing specific traits in organisms. This method is used by humans to select for desirable characteristics in plants and animals. For instance, farmers may choose to breed crops that yield larger fruits or livestock that produce more milk. By selecting individuals that exhibit these preferred traits, individuals can guide the evolution of certain characteristics over generations.

This contrasts with other practices mentioned. Hybridization refers to the process of crossing different species or varieties to produce offspring with mixed traits, but it doesn’t specifically focus on selecting traits. In vitro fertilization is a reproductive technology that allows for the fertilization of eggs outside the body; while it can help produce certain traits if used alongside selection, it does not inherently involve selecting traits. Interbreeding typically refers to breeding within a population or species, which can lead to the mixing of traits but lacks the intentional selection focus inherent in artificial selection.