Neoteny
Neoteny
Neoteny (/niːˈɒtɪni/), also known as juvenileization, is a biological concept referring to the delaying or slowing of the physiological (or somatic) development of an organism, typically an animal. Neoteny is found in modern humans. In progenesis (also called paedogenesis), sexual development is accelerated.
The term neoteny is derived from the Greek words νέος (neos, meaning 'young') and τείνειν (teínein, meaning 'to extend').
Biological Concept
Neoteny is a result of sexual selection for youthful traits. It results in retention, by adults in a species, of traits previously seen only in juveniles, and is a subject studied in the field of developmental biology. In neoteny, the physiological (or somatic) development of an animal or organism is slowed or delayed. In contrast, in progenesis, sexual development occurs faster.
In Humans
In humans, neoteny is observed as the slowed or delayed physiological development compared to other primates, resulting in a prolonged childhood and adolescence. This extended period of development allows for the growth of the human brain and higher cognitive functions.
Related Terms
- Progenesis: A condition where the organism reaches sexual maturity while still in its juvenile form.
- Paedomorphosis: A condition where the adult of a species still retains the juvenile features of its evolutionary ancestors.
- Sexual selection: A mode of natural selection where members of one biological sex choose mates of the other sex to mate with, and compete with members of the same sex for access to members of the opposite sex.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neoteny
- Wikipedia's article - Neoteny
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