Endomictic

/ˌɛndoʊˈmɪktɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing organisms, especially fish in isolated lakes, that reproduce only within their own population with no gene flow from other populations.

Etymology

From 'endo-' (within) and Greek 'miktos' (mixed/mingled). This limnological term emerged in the 20th century to describe isolated aquatic populations that have become genetically distinct.

Kelly Says

Endomictic fish in remote lakes are like natural laboratories for evolution—living in total isolation for thousands of years, they've evolved into entirely new species from their ancestors, proving how powerful isolation is for speciation.

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