BIOGENETIC LAW Meaning and
Definition
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The term "biogenetic law" refers to a historical biological concept that proposed a correlation between the ontogeny (development of an individual organism) and the phylogeny (evolutionary history) of species. Initially formulated by Ernst Haeckel in the 19th century, this hypothesis suggested that the stages observed during an individual organism's development recapitulate or mirror the evolutionary stages of its ancestors.
According to the biogenetic law, an organism's embryonic development replayed the represented evolutionary changes that its ancestors underwent. Haeckel proposed that during its early stages of development, an organism would exhibit ancestral traits before transitioning into the morphological characteristics of the adult stage. This idea gained considerable attention and acceptance at the time as it seemed to provide a straightforward explanation for the similarities observed among different species.
However, with advancements in embryology and molecular biology, the observational evidence behind the biogenetic law has been significantly questioned and discredited. Modern research has revealed that embryonic development is a complex and unique process for each species, influenced by various external and internal factors, rather than being a staged reflection of evolutionary history.
Despite its antiquated standing within the scientific community, the concept of biogenetic law remains historically significant in shaping the development of evolutionary biology and embryology, serving as a cautionary reminder of the importance of empirical evidence and critical examination in scientific inquiry.
Common Misspellings for BIOGENETIC LAW
- viogenetic law
- niogenetic law
- hiogenetic law
- giogenetic law
- buogenetic law
- bjogenetic law
- bkogenetic law
- boogenetic law
- b9ogenetic law
- b8ogenetic law
- biigenetic law
- bikgenetic law
- bilgenetic law
- bipgenetic law
- bi0genetic law
- bi9genetic law
- biofenetic law
- biovenetic law
- biobenetic law
- biohenetic law
Etymology of BIOGENETIC LAW
The term "biogenetic law" is derived from the fusion of two words: "biogenetic" and "law".
- "Biogenetic" combines the prefix "bio-" (meaning life or living organisms) and the root word "genetic" (referring to genetics or inheritance). Therefore, "biogenetic" can be understood as relating to the genetic or hereditary aspects of living organisms.
- "Law" refers to a principle or rule that describes a phenomenon or behavior.
In combination, the term "biogenetic law" denotes a principle or rule related to the genetic or hereditary development of living organisms.
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