gerontomorphosis

[ juh-ron-tuh-mawr-fuh-sis ]
/ dʒəˌrɒn təˈmɔr fə sɪs /

noun

Biology. evolutionary specialization of a species to a degree that decreases its capability for further adaptation and eventually leads to its extinction.

Origin of gerontomorphosis

First recorded in 1925–30; geronto- + morphosis