cenogenesis
/ˌsɛnəˈdʒɛnəsɪs/
noun
- The development of characteristics in an embryo or young organism that are adaptations to its specific environment, rather than inherited from distant ancestors.
- The biologist studied cenogenesis in frogs to understand how tadpoles adapt to temporary ponds.
- Cenogenesis explains why some fish larvae have features that help them survive in shallow water.
- Unlike ancient inherited traits, cenogenesis involves new adaptations that appear early in life.