introgression

[ in-truh-gresh-uhn ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. the introduction of genes from one species into the gene pool of another species, occurring when matings between the two produce fertile hybrids.

introgression

/ ˌɪntrəˈɡrɛʃən /

noun

1. the introduction of genes from the gene pool of one species into that of another during hybridization

Word History and Origins

Origin of introgression¹

First recorded in 1930–35 (earlier in literal sense of Latin ); from Latin intrōgress(us) past participle of intrōgredī “to go in, enter” ( intrō- “within, inward” + -gred-, combining form of grad(ī) “to proceed, walk” + -tus past participle suffix, with -dt- becoming -ss- ); -ion, intro-

Example Sentences

His insights include recurring facts about introgressions—the transfer of genetic material from one species to another—that have upended the simple family tree of our evolution.

From Nautilus

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