Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

overdominant

Adjective

/ˌoʊ.vərˈdɒm.ɪ.nənt/

Definition

Referring to a genetic trait that is expressed more intensely when present in a homozygous individual than in a heterozygous individual.

Examples

In some populations, overdominant traits can provide a survival advantage.
The overdominant genotype showed better resistance to diseases.
Researchers studied how overdominant alleles influenced the traits of various plants.

Meaning

Overdominant describes the situation where an organism with two identical alleles for a trait exhibits a more pronounced phenotype compared to organisms with two different alleles.