Fortlevnad

Fortlevnad is a Swedish noun that denotes the continuation or endurance of life. It can refer to the biological persistence of a species or population, the transmission of culture and traditions, or the long-term survival of a person or family lineage.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from fort- (forward, continued) and levnad (living, life). In contemporary Swedish it is used in scientific, cultural, and policy contexts to describe persistence over time rather than momentary existence.

Biology and ecology: In biology, fortlevnad refers to the ability of a population or species to persist under ecological pressures, considering factors such as reproduction, genetic diversity, and habitat stability. It is related to concepts like viability and long-term population health.

Sociology and culture: In demography and cultural studies, fortlevnad describes the long-term persistence of communities, languages, or cultural practices across generations. It is often discussed in relation to conservation, migration, and social resilience.

History and philosophy: The term is also used in discussions about human life projects, collective memory, and the sustainability of institutions and traditions. It can function as a broad, descriptive concept in analyses of continuity and change within societies.

See also: överlevnad, livslängd, befolkningsdynamik, kulturarv.

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