Definition

A term used in genetics to describe a situation where all individuals in a population are potential partners for mating, leading to random mating without restrictions.

Example

In a population exhibiting panmixis, any individual can mate with any other individual, promoting genetic diversity.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term panmixis?

No, I haven't! What does it mean?

It's a concept in genetics where all individuals can mate randomly.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how it affects biodiversity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Panmixis → It is formed from "pan-" (meaning all) and "mixis" (from Greek "mixis", meaning mixing). The word describes the concept of random mating or mixing of all individuals in a population.

Memory Tip

Think of 'all' ('pan-') being mixed together ('mixis') — that's what panmixis means, a complete mixing of individuals.

Visually Confused Words