Telegony is an ancient theory suggesting that an offspring can inherit characteristics from a previous mate of the mother, aside from the biological father.
This concept dates back to pre-genetic science and has been largely discredited in modern biology, especially with respect to humans.In humans, there's no scientific evidence supporting telegony.
Genetic inheritance follows established principles of genetics, where a child's DNA comes directly from the genes of their biological parents. Advances in genetics, such as the understanding of DNA and the human genome, have provided clear mechanisms for inheritance and development, which do not include telegony.
Studies in some non-human species have suggested instances that might seem to support telegony-like effects, but these are related to microbial or epigenetic factors rather than the direct inheritance of traits from a previous mate.
In humans, the scientific consensus does not support the concept of telegony as a mechanism of genetic inheritance.