gerontomorphosis

American  

[juh-ron-tuh-mawr-fuh-sis] / dʒəˌrɒn təˈmɔr fə sɪs /

noun

1. Biology.  evolutionary specialization of a species to a degree that decreases its capability for further adaptation and eventually leads to its extinction.

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Etymology

Origin of gerontomorphosis

First recorded in 1925–30; geronto- ( def. ) + morphosis ( def. )