How Do You Spell PAEDOMORPHOSIS?

1. Paedomorphosis is a biological phenomenon characterized by the retention of juvenile or embryonic traits in an adult organism. It is the retention of ancestral or earlier developmental stages into the adult form of an organism. This term is commonly used in the fields of evolutionary biology, paleontology, and developmental biology.

   In paedomorphosis, an organism reaches sexual maturity without undergoing all the typical developmental stages. For instance, an adult organism may retain certain morphological characteristics, behaviors, or physiological traits that are typically found only in juveniles. This can result in the adult organism looking similar to its juvenile form or even possessing traits present in its evolutionary ancestors.

   Paedomorphosis can occur through two main processes: neoteny and progenesis. Neoteny refers to the retention of juvenile traits in the adult organism, such as the presence of gills in an adult amphibian. Progenesis, on the other hand, involves the accelerated development or early onset of sexual maturation, causing an organism to reach reproductive maturity at an earlier developmental stage.

   Paedomorphosis can have significant implications for the evolutionary trajectory of a species. It can lead to the preservation and perpetuation of juvenile traits that continue to be advantageous for survival in certain environments. Additionally, it can also result in the emergence of new species through evolutionary changes in developmental timing.

Common Misspellings for PAEDOMORPHOSIS

The word paedomorphosis is derived from two Greek roots: paides, meaning child, and morphosis, meaning the process of forming or transforming. Therefore, the literal translation of paedomorphosis is the process of forming or transforming into a child-like shape or form.

Plural form of PAEDOMORPHOSIS is PAEDOMORPHOSES

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