disassortative mating

[ dis-uh-sawr-tuh-tiv ]

/ ˌdɪs əˈsɔr tə tɪv /

Save This Word!

noun Animal Behavior, Psychology.

the reproductive pairing of individuals that have traits more dissimilar than would likely be the case if mating were random (contrasted with assortative mating).

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Compare panmixia.

Origin of disassortative mating

dis-¹ + assort + -ative

Words nearby disassortative mating

disarray, disarticulate, disassemble, disassembler, disassociate, disassortative mating, disaster, disaster area, disaster capitalism, disastrous, disavow

How to use disassortative mating in a sentence

When it comes to mating, the banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) likes to keep things in the family.
Mongooses, Meerkats, and Ants, Oh My! Why Some Animals Keep Mating All in the Family|Helen Thompson|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A male and female who do most of the mating dominate packs, and younger subordinates only breed occasionally.
Mongooses, Meerkats, and Ants, Oh My! Why Some Animals Keep Mating All in the Family|Helen Thompson|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mating with a cousin or brother is safer than risking life and limb to mate with an outsider.
Mongooses, Meerkats, and Ants, Oh My! Why Some Animals Keep Mating All in the Family|Helen Thompson|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In any case, there is a growing number of people evolving mating rituals not based on getting wasted.
All the Grown-Up Hipsters Playing Kids’ Games|Daniel Genis|June 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Given that their mating sessions can last up to 70 hours, their bedroom—well, cave—performances seem pretty darn impressive.
Not So Fast on the ‘Female Penis’|Charlotte Lytton|April 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I don't doubt you will find more than one affinity if you are awakening; that is merely the mating instinct.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
When the owls beat their wings and gave the mating call and hoot, it was like a foam of noise rising over a river of silence.
Kari the Elephant|Dhan Gopal Mukerji
Mating determined by unconscious psychological motives instead of eugenic considerations.
Taboo and Genetics|Melvin Moses Knight, Iva Lowther Peters, and Phyllis Mary Blanchard
Therefore, she can have no other motive for marrying a man than that of mating herself to a true companion.
A California Girl|Edward Eldridge
Many insects vulgarly supposed to be different species are but males and females of one race seeking each other for mating.
The Natural Philosophy of Love|Remy de Gourmont