neoteny

neoteny — noun

1. a biological condition in which an adult animal keeps physical features that are

1.名詞C2
釋義

a biological condition in which an adult animal keeps physical features that are normally found only in babies or young of its kind — for example, a salamander that keeps its gills or a human with a large forehead and small jaw into adulthood.

例句

Gabriel showed his biology class a picture of an axolotl as a perfect example of neoteny.

example of neoteny — typical collocation pattern

The textbook explained that neoteny keeps some salamanders swimming with gills their whole lives.

neoteny keeps + [species] + [feature]

同義詞

文法句型

neoteny in [species/organism]

example of neoteny

due to neoteny

用法筆記

Frequently used in evolutionary biology and anthropology. Neoteny (sense 1) is a subtype of paedomorphosis — it differs from progenesis because development slows down rather than being cut short by early sexual maturity. The axolotl is the most frequently cited example.

常見錯誤

❌The axolotl's neoteny means it evolved into a new species.
✅The axolotl's neoteny means it keeps its gills into adulthood without becoming a different species.
💡Neoteny describes a growth pattern, not the evolution of a new species.
❌Neoteny is the same as evolution.
✅Neoteny is one small mechanism within evolution that affects how body features develop over time.
💡Neoteny is a specific developmental pattern, not a synonym for evolution.

2. the ability of certain animals to reproduce while they are still in the larva st

2.名詞C2
釋義

the ability of certain animals to reproduce while they are still in the larva stage, before their body has fully changed into its adult form — for example, a type of midge that lays eggs before it develops wings.

例句

Inês read about neoteny in a type of midge that lays eggs while still a larva.

neoteny in + [organism type]

The biology professor explained that neoteny here means the female can produce young before her body finishes developing.

neoteny means + that-clause

同義詞
  • progenesis

    exact synonym specifically for sense 2 — reaching sexual maturity in a larval state

  • paedogenesis

    broader synonym sometimes used interchangeably

文法句型

neoteny in [organism]

neoteny enables [organism] to [verb]

用法筆記

This sense is a specialized subtype of neoteny (sense 1). Many textbooks call it 'progenesis'. It specifically involves reproduction — not just the retention of young looks. Common in discussions of insect and amphibian life cycles.

常見錯誤

❌Neoteny happens when an animal just looks young.
✅Neoteny in sense 2 means the animal actually reproduces while still in a larval body.
💡Sense 2 is about breeding capacity, not just appearance.
❌All neoteny involves larvae.
✅Only sense 2 involves reproduction at the larva stage; sense 1 applies to any juvenile feature kept into adulthood.
💡Do not confuse the two senses.