DYSGENIC Meaning and
Definition
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Dysgenic is an adjective that refers to conditions or factors that lead to the worsening of the genetic composition of a population over time. It is derived from the Greek words "dys," meaning bad or faulty, and "gen," meaning birth or produce. The concept of dysgenic arises from the field of eugenics, which focuses on improving the genetic quality of the human population.
A dysgenic environment or phenomenon typically involves the reduced reproductive success of certain individuals or groups that possess less desirable genetic traits, while those possessing more favorable traits have higher reproduction rates. This often results in a decline in overall genetic quality and can be driven by various factors, including social, cultural, and economic influences.
The concept of dysgenic can also be applied to discuss the genetic consequences of artificial selection, such as in animal breeding or agriculture, where certain traits are favored while others are neglected, leading to a distortion in the overall genetic diversity of a population.
In broader societal context, dysgenic can be used to describe policies, practices, or conditions that unintentionally lead to the proliferation of genes associated with lower intelligence, poor health, or other unfavorable characteristics, consequently impacting the genetic makeup of the population.
It is important to note that the use of the term "dysgenic" can be controversial due to its historical association with eugenics, which has been discredited and morally condemned for its association with discrimination and human rights violations.
Common Misspellings for DYSGENIC
- sysgenic
- xysgenic
- cysgenic
- fysgenic
- rysgenic
- eysgenic
- dtsgenic
- dgsgenic
- dhsgenic
- dusgenic
- d7sgenic
- d6sgenic
- dyagenic
- dyzgenic
- dyxgenic
- dydgenic
- dyegenic
- dywgenic
- dysfenic
Etymology of DYSGENIC
The word "dysgenic" is derived from two roots: "dys-" and "-genic".
"Dys-" is a prefix from Greek, meaning "bad" or "abnormal". It is commonly used to convey a negative or ill meaning in various words, such as "dysfunction" or "dystopia".
"-Genic" is a suffix also derived from Greek, meaning "causing" or "producing". It is often used in words related to production, reproduction, or creation, such as "pathogenic" (causing disease) or "photogenic" (causing attractiveness in photographs).
When combined, the two parts form "dysgenic", which refers to something that hampers or impairs reproduction or leads to the production of offspring that are considered genetically less desirable or inferior. The term is commonly used in discussions related to eugenics, genetics, and evolutionary biology.
Similar spelling words for DYSGENIC
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