Ontogeny

/ɒnˈtɒdʒəni/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The development of an individual organism from the earliest stage to maturity, encompassing all changes during its lifetime.

Studying the ontogeny of frogs reveals interesting patterns in their metamorphosis.

The process of an organism growing and developing, including changes in form and structure.

Researchers are investigating the ontogeny of various species to understand their evolutionary adaptations.

The series of developmental stages an organism goes through, often studied in the context of genetics and biology.

The ontogeny of humans and the factors influencing it can provide insights into developmental disorders.

From Greek 'onto-' meaning 'being' and 'genes' meaning 'born of', 'produced by'.

ontogenetic changes

Changes that occur in an organism's development stages.

ontogenetic trajectory

The path of development an organism follows from conception to maturity.

phylogeny

The evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms.

morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms.