What does paedomorphosis mean?
Paedomorphosis is a term used in biology to describe the retention of juvenile characteristics in adults. This phenomenon can result in a more primitive or simplified appearance, and is often seen in the fossil record. Paedomorphosis can be used to describe a range of phenomena, from the retention of juvenile characteristics in adults to the evolution of simplified or primitive features. It is often used in a formal or scientific context, particularly in the fields of biology and paleontology. The term is derived from the Greek words 'pais,' meaning child, and 'morphosis,' meaning transformation. Paedomorphosis is an important concept in understanding the evolution of species and the development of complex traits.
nounPaedomorphosis is a term used in biology to describe the retention of juvenile characteristics in adults, often resulting in a more primitive or simplified appearance.
- The retention of juvenile characteristics in adults, often resulting in a more primitive or simplified appearance.
"The fossil record showed a clear example of paedomorphosis in the evolution of the species, with adults retaining many of the features of their juvenile ancestors."
"The fossil record showed a clear example of paedomorphosis in the evolution of the species, with adults retaining many of the features of their juvenile ancestors."
"In some species of fish, paedomorphosis is a common adaptation to changing environmental conditions."
The plural form of paedomorphosis is used to describe multiple instances of the phenomenon.
"The fossil record showed multiple examples of paedomorphosis in the evolution of the species."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of paedomorphosis
The term paedomorphosis was first coined in the 19th century by the biologist Ernst Haeckel, who used it to describe the retention of juvenile characteristics in adults. The term is derived from the Greek words 'pais,' meaning child, and 'morphosis,' meaning transformation. Paedomorphosis is closely related to the concept of neoteny, which describes the retention of juvenile characteristics in adults.
How paedomorphosis is actually used
Paedomorphosis is often used in a formal or scientific context, particularly in the fields of biology and paleontology. It can be used to describe a range of phenomena, from the retention of juvenile characteristics in adults to the evolution of simplified or primitive features.