PEDIGREE COLLAPSE Meaning and
Definition
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Pedigree collapse refers to a phenomenon in which a family tree becomes compressed or reduced due to the occurrence of close kin marrying each other within a particular lineage. It is a term commonly used in genetics, genealogy, and anthropology to describe the occurrence when two individuals who share a recent common ancestor reproduce, resulting in a decrease in the number of unique ancestors in the subsequent generations. This process leads to the elimination of branches in the family tree and a reduction in genetic diversity within the lineage.
Pedigree collapse often occurs in small, isolated populations or in communities where individuals marry within their own social or ethnic groups. Over time, repeated instances of close kin marriage contribute to the accumulation of duplicate ancestors and the erosion of a diverse gene pool. As a consequence, the prevalence of genetic disorders and inherited diseases may increase due to the limited genetic variation.
The term "pedigree collapse" is derived from the concept of a pedigree, which is a graphical representation of an individual's ancestors. When collapse occurs, the structure of the pedigree becomes more intertwined, as opposed to being a branching network. This phenomenon is of particular interest to genetic researchers and historians as it provides insights into the interconnectedness and genetic dynamics of a particular population or lineage.
Etymology of PEDIGREE COLLAPSE
The word "pedigree" comes from the Old French word "pied de grue", which means "foot of a crane". This term was used to describe a genealogical chart resembling the branching structure of a crane's foot. In English, "pedigree" refers to a person's ancestral line or lineage.
The word "collapse" comes from the Latin word "collapsus", which is the past participle of "collabi" meaning "to fall together" or "to collapse". In the context of "pedigree collapse", it refers to the merging or falling together of different lineages within a family tree.
When combined, "pedigree collapse" represents the phenomenon where individuals in a genealogical tree share common ancestors multiple times within a few generations. It occurs due to the intermarriage or close relationships between relatives.
