neoteny

• Биологический термин, обозначающий эволюционный процесс, при котором организм достигает половой зрелости, сохраняя ювенильные физические черты, что часто приводит к задержке или ослаблению развития взрослых признаков.

A biological term referring to an evolutionary process where an organism reaches sexual maturity while retaining juvenile physical traits, often resulting in delayed or reduced development of adult characteristics.

uncountable

1. Retention of juvenile featuresC2formalscientific

   The retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood, often as a result of delayed development or evolutionary adaptation.

   Сохранение ювенильных черт

   • Neoteny in humans is thought to explain our large brains and flat faces.
   • Axolotls are a classic example of neoteny, retaining their gills throughout life.
   • Some scientists argue that neoteny played a key role in the evolution of domestic dogs.