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Glite Dictionary
genetic dead end

genetic dead end

8.2
A species or group that cannot have young and so ends its family line
  • noun
  • /dʒəˈnɛtɪk dɛd ɛnd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : callejón sin salida genético
  • Scientists labeled the plant as a genetic dead end because it could not produce viable seeds.

Examples

  • The species became a genetic dead end after failing to adapt to the changing environment.

  • If I am a genetic dead end in a universe created for DNA, then so be it.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • Some animals evolve into a genetic dead end when their habitat is destroyed, preventing their reproduction.

Synonyms

dead end
vsgenetic dead end
91 3.6

A situation where no further progress or solution is possible

refers specifically to organisms or lineages that cannot reproduce or evolve further

Antonyms

potential
638 3.2

The ability to develop or succeed in the future

procreativity
  • Specialized
8.4

Ability to have babies or young

Surface Forms

genetic dead end singular
genetic dead ends plural

Morphology

genetic + dead + end

The phrase combines 'genetic' (relating to genes) with the familiar noun 'dead end' (a situation with no possibility of further progress). A B1 learner who knows both constituents and the metaphorical sense of 'dead end' can readily infer it refers to a lineage or condition that cannot reproduce or continue, so the meaning is compositionally predictable.

Etymology

Genetic dead end gives a simple picture: genetic points to genes and birth, and dead end is like a road that stops so nothing can go further. So it means a group that cannot have babies or young and will not continue, in other words 'unable to reproduce'.