What is Neotenic development?

Neoteny (/niˈɒtəni/), also called juvenilization, is the delaying or slowing of the physiological (or somatic) development of an organism, typically an animal. Neoteny is found in modern humans (compared to other primates). In progenesis (also called paedogenesis), sexual development is accelerated.

What is a Neotenic termite?

Neotenic reproductives are individuals with juvenile characters that may replace the primary reproductives (king and queen) in a colony (Noirot 1969; Roisin 2000). According to Thorne (1996) the term neotenic reproductive refers to any reproductive termite that is not derived from an alate. The subterranean termite C.

Are humans Neotenic?

Neoteny in humans is the retention of juvenile features well into adulthood. Humans also retain a plasticity of behavior that is generally found among animals only in the young. The emphasis on learned, rather than inherited, behavior requires the human brain to remain receptive much longer.

What are Neotenous features?

These “neotenous” characteristics include a large forehead with lower set eyes, nose and mouth; a smaller, shorter, more recessive chin; fuller lips; larger eyes; a smaller nose; higher, thinner eyebrows; and a rounder, less angular face.

What causes paedomorphosis?

Paedomorphosis is the result of neoteny. This occurs due to the retention of juvenile traits into the adult form, which results in retention of somatic development or progenesis, it increases the development process and the juvenile form becomes a sexually mature adult.

Is Axolotl a larva?

The name axolotl is also applied to any full-grown larva of Ambystoma tigrinum (tiger salamander) that has not yet lost its external gills.

What are drywood termites?

Drywood termites generally live, feed and nest in undecayed wood which has a very low moisture content. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require any contact with the soil in order to live. These termites cut across the grain of the wood, excavating large chambers which are connected by small tunnels.

What is the difference between paedomorphosis and neoteny?

Paedomorphosis and neoteny represent two qualitatively different phenomena: neoteny is an adaptive modification of ontogeny, whereas paedomorphosis is its transformation in the course of evolution.

Why do some salamanders show paedomorphosis?

Abstract. Paedomorphosis is an alternative process to metamorphosis in which adults retain larval traits at the adult stage. It is frequent in newts and salamanders, where larvae reach sexual maturity without losing their gills. However, in some populations, larvae overwinter in water, while remaining immature.

What is the meaning of paedomorphosis?

paedomorphosis, also spelled Pedomorphosis, retention by an organism of juvenile or even larval traits into later life.

What is neoteny in amphibians?

Neoteny in amphibia Natural pedomorphosis occurs in many species of amphibians, especially ambystomatid and protean salamanders. In amphibians it can be obligate or facultative. For example, some salamanders retain their gills during adulthood, unlike most other amphibians.

What is neoteny in Urodela?

Neoteny, sometimes called paedomophism, is apparent in Urodela, except Rhyacotritonidae. There are three types of neoteny, obligate, inducible obligate, and facultative.

What is an example of facultative neoteny?

Facultative neoteny occurs in individuals or entire populations as a result of environmental factors. For example, in extremely cold temperatures, where a terrestrial existence would be inhospitable, individuals or populations may remain aquatic, retaining larval characteristics into adulthood.

What is facultative neoteny in Salamandridae?

Facultative neoteny is observed in Salamandridae, Dicamptodontidae, Ambystomatidae, Hynobiidae, and Plethodontidae. Facultative neoteny occurs in individuals or entire populations as a result of environmental factors.