Marriages between distant cousins on Iceland seem to be far more productive then ‘normal’ marriages. On average more children and grandchildren are born as a result of marriages between men and women who are (distantly) related. This became clear after a study on the matter was published in the scientific magazine Science this week. Research was done under supervision of Agnar Helgason of biotech company deCode Genetics.
A study was made on all marriages on the island between 1800 and 1965. Surprisingly marriages between cousins in the third and fourth grade came out on top of the fertility scale. The researchers involved in the study suspect a biological reason is behind these figures. These cousins probably benefit from affinity within the family as well as a healthy amount of genetic mixture.
In many countries marriages and reproduction between cousins is strictly prohibited by law. The risk for diseases because of genetic resemblance is considered too large.
A study was made on all marriages on the island between 1800 and 1965. Surprisingly marriages between cousins in the third and fourth grade came out on top of the fertility scale. The researchers involved in the study suspect a biological reason is behind these figures. These cousins probably benefit from affinity within the family as well as a healthy amount of genetic mixture.
In many countries marriages and reproduction between cousins is strictly prohibited by law. The risk for diseases because of genetic resemblance is considered too large.
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