panmixia

[ pan-mik-see-uh ]

noun

, Animal Behavior.

1. random mating of individuals within a population, the breeding individuals showing no tendency to choose partners with particular traits.

panmixia

/ pænˈmɪksɪs; pænˈmiktik; pænˈmɪksɪə /

noun

1. (in population genetics) random mating within an interbreeding population

Derived Forms

• panmictic, adjective

Other Words From

• pan·mic·tic [pan-, mik, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of panmixia¹

1885–90; pan- + Greek míx ( is ) mingling, mixing ( m ( e ) ig ( nýnai ) to mix + -sis -sis ) + -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of panmixia¹

C20: from New Latin, from Greek pan- + mixis act of mating

Example Sentences

Dwindling by natural selection is here out of the question; and dwindling by panmixia, i.e. the diminution of a structure when natural selection ceases to affect its degree of development, "would be incredible, even were the assumptions of the theory valid."

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, the convinced Neo-Darwinian is not in the least prepared to abandon the theory of dwindling in the course of panmixia, especially in the light which Weismann's conception of Germinal Selection has thrown on this process.

From Project Gutenberg

Thirdly, according to my view of the action of panmixia as previously explained, no total discharge of colouration is likely to be caused by such action alone.

From Project Gutenberg

And this line of evidence is invalidated by Panmixia.

From Project Gutenberg

Such is the principle which Weismann calls Panmixia, because, by the withdrawal of selection from any particular part, promiscuous breeding ensues with regard to that part.

From Project Gutenberg