hybrid dysgenesis A complex of genetic abnormalities, which occurs in certain hybrids. The abnormalities may include sterility, enhanced rates of gene mutations, and chromosomal rearrangements. Hybrid dysgenesis occurs in the hybrid offspring of certain strains of Drosophila, in which it is thought to be due to mutations induced by transposon-like elements.

hybrid dysgenesis Infertility and an increased incidence of chromosome mutations that is observed in the progeny of laboratory-reared organisms crossed with wild organisms. Hybrid dysgenesis has been best studied in strains of Drosophila fruit flies, when laboratory females are crossed with wild males; it is thought to be caused by transposable elements (see transposon) in the wild-type males, which are activated in eggs from certain strains of laboratory females.

hybrid dysgenesis A complex of genetic abnormalities, which occurs in certain hybrids. The abnormalities may include sterility, enhanced rates of gene mutations, and chromosomal rearrangements. Hybrid dysgenesis occurs in the hybrid offspring of certain strains of Drosophila, in which it is thought to be owing to mutations induced by transposon-like elements.