neoteny

Noun

Meaning

an evolutionary trend to be born earlier so that development is cut off at an earlier stage and juvenile characteristics are retained in adults of the species

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Examples

A few species of birds show partial neoteny. Source: Internet

History and etymology The origins of the concept of neoteny have been traced to the Bible (as argued by Ashley Montagu) and to the poet William Wordsworth 's "The child is father of the man" (as argued by Barry Bogin). Source: Internet

ISBN 1-55753-077-7 Cavalier King Charles spaniels are an example of selection for neoteny, because they exhibit large eyes, pendant-shaped ears and compact feet, giving them a morphology similar to puppies as adults. Source: Internet

In this instance, neoteny is present because there is no need for the males to molt early and it would be a waste of energy for them to try to mate when the females are not yet prepared. Source: Internet

Insects in cooler environments tend to show neoteny in flight because wings have a high surface area and lose heat quickly, thus it is not advantageous for insects in that environment to metamorphose into adults. Source: Internet

Another explanation for the neoteny in domesticated animals can be the selection for certain behavioral characteristics. Source: Internet

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