What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ontogenetic
Example
The ontogenetic development of a butterfly involves metamorphosis from a caterpillar to an adult. [ontogenetic: adjective]
Example
The study of ontogenetic development helps us understand how organisms grow and change over time. [ontogenetic: noun]
phylogenetic
Example
Phylogenetic analysis helps us understand the evolutionary relationships between different species. [phylogenetic: adjective]
Example
The study of phylogenetics allows us to trace the evolutionary history of different groups of organisms. [phylogenetic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phylogenetic is more commonly used than ontogenetic in scientific literature and academic contexts. Phylogenetic is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, while ontogenetic is more specific to the study of developmental biology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ontogenetic and phylogenetic?
Both ontogenetic and phylogenetic are technical terms used in scientific contexts, and are therefore considered formal language.
