Consanguinity

Consanguinity refers to the genetic relationship between individuals who share common ancestors, such as relatives who are blood relatives. It is often used to describe the degree of relatedness, like siblings, cousins, or more distant family members. This relationship can influence the likelihood of inheriting certain genetic conditions, as shared genes increase the chance of passing on recessive traits. Understanding consanguinity is important in medical genetics, anthropology, and legal contexts, especially when assessing hereditary risks or making inheritance decisions.