Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mating pattern in which individuals with dissimilar phenotypes or genotypes mate more frequently than would be expected under random mating. This is a concept in biology and population genetics where partners are chosen based on traits that are different from their own.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The term is used primarily in scientific contexts, such as evolutionary biology, genetics, and zoology, to describe a non-random mating system.
  • It contrasts with "assortative mating," where individuals with similar traits mate more frequently.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The study found evidence of disassortative mating based on body size in the fish population.
  • Disassortative mating for major histocompatibility complex genes has been observed in some human populations.

Advanced Usage

• "Negative assortative mating": This is a synonym for disassortative mating, emphasizing the negative correlation between the traits of mating partners.
  • The phenomenon is also referred to as negative assortative mating.

Variants and Related Words

• Assortative mating (n): A mating pattern where individuals with similar phenotypes or genotypes mate more frequently.
• Non-random mating (n): A broad term encompassing both assortative and disassortative mating patterns.
• Outbreeding (n): Breeding between individuals that are not closely related, which can be a result of disassortative mating.

Synonyms

• Negative assortative mating
• Heterogamy (in some specific genetic contexts)

Antonyms

• Assortative mating
• Positive assortative mating
• Homogamy

Noun

1. mating of individuals having traits more dissimilar than likely in random mating