Ontogeny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ontogeny
[ɒnˈtɒdʒəni ]
Definition
biological development
Ontogeny refers to the development of an individual organism from the earliest stages of life until maturity. It encompasses the processes of growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis that the organism undergoes throughout its life cycle. Understanding ontogeny is crucial for studying not only the biology of individual species but also the evolutionary relationships between them. Scientists examine ontogenetic processes to reveal insights into developmental disorders and evolutionary adaptations.
Synonyms
development, growth, maturation.
Examples of usage
- The ontogeny of the frog includes distinct larval stages.
- Researchers studied the ontogeny of the human brain.
- Ontogeny can influence the behavior of adult animals.
- Comparative ontogeny provides insights into evolutionary biology.
Translations
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Origin of 'ontogeny'
The term 'ontogeny' originates from the Greek words 'onto-', meaning 'being' or 'entity', and 'gene', which means 'origin' or 'birth'. The word was first coined in the early 19th century when biological sciences began to flourish, particularly during the study of embryology and developmental biology. The concept of ontogeny emphasizes the importance of studying the life history of individuals, which was often contrasted with phylogeny, the evolutionary history of a species. Over time, ontogeny has become an essential concept in biology, medicine, and evolutionary studies, helping to bridge the gap between individual development and evolutionary change.