Definitions
- Describing the retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood. - Referring to the slowing down or delaying of physical and/or behavioral development. - Talking about the evolutionary process of retaining juvenile traits in a species over time.
- Describing the retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood. - Referring to the retention of ancestral juvenile traits in a species over time. - Talking about the evolutionary process of retaining juvenile traits in a species over time.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the retention of juvenile traits into adulthood.
- 2Both words are used in evolutionary biology.
- 3Both words can refer to physical and/or behavioral traits.
- 4Both words involve a slowing down or delaying of development.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Neoteny is more commonly used in general biology, while paedomorphism is more specific to evolutionary biology.
- 2Focus: Neoteny emphasizes the retention of juvenile traits in an individual, while paedomorphism emphasizes the retention of ancestral juvenile traits in a species.
- 3Examples: Neoteny is often used to describe humans and amphibians, while paedomorphism is often used to describe domesticated animals.
- 4Connotation: Neoteny has a more neutral connotation, while paedomorphism can have a negative connotation when referring to the retention of undesirable traits.
Remember this!
Neoteny and paedomorphism are synonyms that describe the retention of juvenile traits into adulthood. Both words are used in evolutionary biology and involve a slowing down or delaying of development. However, neoteny emphasizes the retention of juvenile traits in an individual, while paedomorphism emphasizes the retention of ancestral juvenile traits in a species.
