Atavism
Atavism
Atavism (/əˈtævɪzəm/), from the Latin atavus, meaning "ancestor", is a biological concept where an organism exhibits traits, characteristics or behaviors of ancestral forms that had disappeared in previous generations.
Etymology
The term "atavism" is derived from the Latin word atavus, which refers to a great-great-great grandfather or, more generally, an ancestor. The concept of atavism was first proposed in the 19th century by scientists who observed the reappearance of ancestral traits in organisms.
Explanation
In genetic terms, atavism is caused by the reactivation of dormant genes that were present in ancestors but have been silenced or suppressed in more recent generations. This can result in the organism displaying physical traits or behaviors that were common in its ancestors but are not typically seen in its contemporaries. Examples of atavism can be found in both plants and animals, including humans.
Related Terms
- Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
- Evolution: The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
- Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
- Genotype: The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
- Recessive gene: A gene that can be masked by a dominant gene.
- Dominant gene: A gene that will overpower another gene for the same trait.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Atavism
- Wikipedia's article - Atavism
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