Selective breeding is a form of selection in which humans actively decide which characteristics are important and should be passed on to future generations. This method echoes natural selection processes, just at a faster pace. Selection not only relies on production traits, but is also dependent on the region and type of cattle management systems, meaning there is an interaction of phenotype and the environment. Selection of a trait involves defining its importance genetically and economically, creating a measurement system, and evaluating heritability. Through artificial selection, genetically superior animals provide more traits to the gene pool than would be expected with natural mating.