PANMIXIA Meaning and
Definition
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Panmixia is a term used in biology to describe a state of complete genetic homogeneity within a population or a species. The concept refers to the absence of any kind of genetic differentiation or substructure within a breeding population. In this state, genes are randomly distributed and freely exchanged across the entire population, without any barriers or restrictions. Panmixia can occur when a population experiences unrestricted gene flow, meaning that individuals are able to freely mate and exchange genetic material with any other member of the population.
The term is often used in the context of evolutionary biology, particularly when studying the effects of gene flow on population genetics. Panmixia can have profound implications for the genetic diversity and adaptability of a population. A lack of genetic differentiation can result in reduced genetic variation and limit the ability of a population to adapt to changing environments or new selective pressures.
In addition to its biological usage, panmixia can also be used metaphorically to describe a state of complete and unrestricted mixing or blending. This can be applied to a wide range of fields beyond biology, such as sociology or cultural studies, where it may refer to a complete integration or assimilation of different groups or communities.
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1. Random mating without selection. 2. Sexual intercourse between individuals of different races. 3. Weissmann's term for the tendency of structures to retrograde and disappear when their value to the species becomes nil.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PANMIXIA
- panmi8ia
- panmihia
- panmipia
- panmiyia
- panmixya
- panmixaa
- panmixma
- panmixha
- panmixii
- panmixie
- panmixic
- pa nmixia
- pan mixia
- panm ixia
- panmi xia
- panmix ia
- panmixi a
Etymology of PANMIXIA
The word "panmixia" is derived from two Greek roots: "pan" meaning "all" or "every", and "mixis" meaning "mixture" or "blending". The term was first coined by the American geneticist Sewall Wright in the early 20th century to describe a theoretical genetic process characterized by random mating and unrestricted gene flow within a population. In this context, panmixia refers to the absence of any population structure and the equal likelihood of individuals mating with any other member of the population.
Similar spelling words for PANMIXIA
