Neoteny definition

Neoteny

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noun

(1) 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

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Etymology

From , in turn from and .

Noun

The retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult.

Most amphibians are aquatic only well young, but some amphibians with neoteny remain aquatic even as adults.
The sexual maturity of an organism still in its larval stage.