Dictionary > Consanguinity

Consanguinity

Definition
noun, plural: consanguinities
A relationship that arises from having a common ancestor; kinship
Supplement
Consanguinity refers to the relationship or connection by lineage. It is when two or more individuals become related by a common ancestor. In humans, there are certain laws governing marriage set on the degree of consanguinity. For instance, marriage between first cousins is allowed in certain places, such as Middle East. This practice, however, is prohibited in other places such as China, Taiwan, the Philippines, North Korea, South Korea, etc. Marrying a close relative is discouraged in these places because it might lead to an increased occurrence of congenital birth defects. Inbreeding, which is a mode of breeding between closely related individuals, may increase the level of homozygosity associated with certain genetic disorders while reducing heterozygosity. Mating with a close relative at a large scale may negatively affect the biological fitness of a population. When this occurs, inbreeding depression results. It is when the biological fitness and survival of the population are hampered due to the genetic effect of inbreeding. Inbreeding could reduce the extent of the gene pool. A well-known example depicting the association of deformities with consanguineous marriages is that occurred in the House of Habsburg.
Word origin: Latin consanguinitas (“blood relation”)
Synonym(s):

  • kinship
  • blood relation

See also:

  • inbreeding
  • Related term(s):

    • Coefficient of consanguinity


    You will also like...

    Pikas are an indicator species for climate change
    Indicator Species and Endangered Species

    Certain species are capable of expressing characteristics indicative of the state of the ecosystem they occupy. They are..

    Body temperature regulation by the hypothalamus
    Temperature Regulation in Animals

    This tutorial elucidates body temperature regulation. Know the details here to learn how the body sets the body temperat..

    Birth Control and Contraception
    Birth Control and Contraception

    Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of th..

    Types and Causes of Brain Damage
    Types and Causes of Brain Damage

    This tutorial describes the different types and causes of brain damage. Find out how genetics, physical injury, lack of ..

    Regulation of Biological Systems
    Regulation of Biological Systems

    Regulation of Biological Systems tutorials are focused on the modulation of biological systems from cell to population l..

    Sugar Homeostasis
    Sugar Homeostasis

    The blood sugar level is regulated by two hormones. The mechanism behind this type of negative feedback control is descr..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics