ontogeny

[änˈtäjənē]

ontogeny Definition

the development of an individual organism or anatomical or behavioral feature from the earliest stage to maturity.

Using ontogeny: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ontogeny" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The ontogeny of a butterfly involves several stages, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

  • Example

    The ontogeny of language acquisition in children is a complex process that has been studied extensively.

  • Example

    The ontogeny of the human brain is still not fully understood.

ontogeny Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with ontogeny

  • ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny

    a discredited biological hypothesis that suggests that the embryonic development of an organism mirrors its evolutionary history

    Example

    The theory of ontogeny recapitulating phylogeny has been largely discredited, but it still has some influence in certain fields.

  • the process by which memories are formed and retained in the brain

    Example

    The ontogeny of memory is a complex process that involves many different brain regions and mechanisms.

  • the process by which an organism's behavior develops and changes over time

    Example

    The ontogeny of behavior in animals is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

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Summary: ontogeny in Brief

Ontogeny [änˈtäjənē] refers to the development of an individual organism or anatomical or behavioral feature from the earliest stage to maturity. It is a complex process that can involve multiple stages and factors, such as genetics and environment. The phrase 'ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny' is a discredited biological hypothesis that suggests that the embryonic development of an organism mirrors its evolutionary history.