neoteny
Arrested developmental progression
Neoteny is the retention of juvenile features into adulthood.
In biology, it describes species that reach sexual maturity while keeping characteristics of the young—the axolotl retains its larval gills throughout life.
The concept extends to humans, who retain childlike traits (flat faces, large heads relative to body) compared to other primates.
Neoteny also appears in domesticated animals: dogs retain puppyish behaviors that wolves outgrow.
Some researchers argue that neoteny has been selected for in human evolution.
Permanently larval salamander
- thyroxineThyroid-produced metabolic hormone
- thyroidHormone-producing neck gland
- endocrinologyScience of hormonal glands
- herpetologyStudy of reptiles, amphibians
morphology · ontogeny · phylogeny · larval · juvenile · gills · metamorphosis · salamander
Permanently larval salamander
- mudpuppyPermanently aquatic salamander
- tiger salamanderStriped mole-dwelling amphibian
- sirenWailing alert device
- domestic dogTamed canine companion
bonobo · silkworm · flightless birds · betta · goldfish · guppy
Fitting to new conditions
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- phylogenyEvolutionary relationships among organisms
- domesticationAdapting species to captivity
selective pressure · phenotype · genotype · macroevolution · microevolution · evolvability · divergence · variation
Continued holding or possession
- arrested developmentHalted progression before completion
- underdevelopmentInadequate economic or social progress
- immaturityUndeveloped condition
- sexual maturityReproductive capacity attained
Oversized ocular organs
- skull shapeConfiguration of head bones
- brain sizeVolume of cerebral matter
- bipedalismWalking on two limbs
- floppy earsEars that hang down
tameness · juvenile behavior · playfulness · curiosity · bonding · social development
axolotl
Permanently larval salamander
- thyroxineThyroid-produced metabolic hormone
- thyroidHormone-producing neck gland
- endocrinologyScience of hormonal glands
herpetology · morphology · ontogeny · phylogeny · larval · juvenile · gills · metamorphosis · salamander · mudpuppy
axolotl
Permanently larval salamander
- mudpuppyPermanently aquatic salamander
- tiger salamanderStriped mole-dwelling amphibian
- sirenWailing alert device
domestic dog · bonobo · silkworm · flightless birds · betta · goldfish · guppy
adaptation
Fitting to new conditions
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- phylogenyEvolutionary relationships among organisms
domestication · selective pressure · phenotype · genotype · macroevolution · microevolution · evolvability · divergence · variation · mutation
retention
Continued holding or possession
- arrested developmentHalted progression before completion
- underdevelopmentInadequate economic or social progress
- immaturityUndeveloped condition
large eyes
Oversized ocular organs
- skull shapeConfiguration of head bones
- brain sizeVolume of cerebral matter
- bipedalismWalking on two limbs
floppy ears · tameness · juvenile behavior · playfulness · curiosity · bonding · social development