-
the development of an individual organism from the earliest stage to maturity.
synonyms:developmentgrowth
The term 'ontogeny' comes from the Greek words 'onto-', meaning 'being' or 'entity', and 'genes', meaning 'born of' or 'originating'. It was first used in the late 19th century.
This term is primarily used in biological and developmental sciences, particularly in discussions about growth and development of organisms.
While 'ontogeny' is not used in everyday conversations, it is common in academic and scientific contexts.
The study of ontogeny helps scientists understand how various species develop over time.
Researchers are investigating the ontogeny of certain marine creatures to learn more about their unique life cycles.
In his lecture, he explained the differences between ontogeny and phylogeny, emphasizing the importance of individual development.
Ontogeny refers to the fascinating journey of an organism's development from a single cell to a fully formed being. This term, rooted in ancient Greek, captures the essence of growth in living creatures. It's a key concept in biology, shedding light on how species evolve and adapt through their life stages. While not a word you’ll find in daily chit-chat, it plays a significant role in scientific discussions about life and growth!