Rapid Fire
Endogamy
- 07 Mar 2025
- 1 min read
A study highlights how endogamy has contributed to population-specific genetic diseases and variations in drug metabolism in India.
- Key Findings of the Study: Indian communities show higher prevalence of genetic disorders due to inbreeding (breeding of individuals that are closely related genetically).
- For example, high incidence of ankylosing spondylitis (type of arthritis) found in the Reddy community of Andhra Pradesh.
- Endogamy: The practice of marrying within a specific ethnic, cultural, social, religious, or tribal group to preserve identity, wealth, and traditions, unlike exogamy, which involves marrying outside one’s social group.
- Negative Impacts of Endogamy:
- Limited Gene Pool: Reduced genetic diversity in endogamous groups limits adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
- Social Consequences: Leads to restrictive societal practices such as honor killings and rigid caste-based hierarchies.
| Read more: Consanguinity |
