Genetic Diseases from Inbreeding

  • Thread starter Dennis4
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In summary: This is an interesting study that makes a prediction about how intelligent people are likely to be.However, there are some caveats that need to be considered.
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  • #2
The thesis presented sounds too much like the proposal that black slaves were bred to be more physical, less intelligent and in turn better breeders over a span of several hundred years. I doubt that any group of humans could alter the intelligence from their gene pool substantially within the last 2000 years. The brain is too complex an organ, whose recent major changes (such as to homo sapiens sapiens) took place over the past 30,000-100,000 years. Granted, there have been more reasons to value intelligence as a tool for survival since the onset of civilization, ~3000 BC, but this should be reflected in the population as a whole.

[Are there genetic diseases from outbreeding?]
 
  • #3
Four nongenetic reasons possible for Ashkenazi success:

A tradition of intellectualism.

Reliance on the nonmaterial.

Rational interpretation of the Torah.

An advanced social perspective.
 
  • #4
[Are there genetic diseases from outbreeding?]

My understanding is that since genetic diseases tend to be recessive, one is more likely to be paired with two of these recessive genes via inbreeding than outbreeding.
 
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  • #5
This is very interesting:
But the thesis also has a strong point: it makes a clear and testable prediction. This is that people with a single copy of the gene for Tay-Sachs, or that for Gaucher's, or that for Niemann-Pick should be more intelligent than average.
And on a side note: I've studied Gaucher disease, where my supervisor commented that people with the disease are intelligent beings.
 
  • #6
Reverse-dominant genetic disease

Loren Booda said:
Are there genetic diseases from outbreeding?
Do you mean a reverse-dominant disease — one that expresses when there is one copy of a particular gene but does not express when there are two copies?
 
  • #7
Does that even exist?
 

What are genetic diseases from inbreeding?

Genetic diseases from inbreeding are health conditions that are caused by the passing down of harmful genetic traits within a population that practices inbreeding. Inbreeding occurs when two individuals who are closely related, such as siblings or cousins, reproduce with each other.

What are the effects of inbreeding on genetic diseases?

The main effect of inbreeding on genetic diseases is an increased risk of inheriting harmful genetic traits. Inbreeding can lead to a higher frequency of genetic disorders within a population, as there is a higher chance of individuals inheriting two copies of the same harmful gene.

What are some examples of genetic diseases caused by inbreeding?

Some examples of genetic diseases caused by inbreeding include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. These diseases are caused by the inheritance of two copies of a harmful gene, which can occur more frequently in populations that practice inbreeding.

Can genetic diseases from inbreeding be prevented?

Yes, genetic diseases from inbreeding can be prevented by avoiding inbreeding and promoting genetic diversity within a population. This can be achieved through practices such as outbreeding, which involves breeding individuals who are not closely related, and genetic testing to identify and prevent the passing down of harmful genetic traits.

What are the long-term consequences of inbreeding on a population?

The long-term consequences of inbreeding on a population include an increased risk of genetic diseases, reduced genetic diversity, and a higher chance of extinction. Inbreeding can also lead to decreased fertility and reproductive success, as well as an increased susceptibility to environmental changes and diseases.

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