paedomorphic
/ˌpiːdəˈmɔːrfɪk/
adjective
- Having or showing features of a young or juvenile form of an animal or plant in the adult stage.
- The axolotl is a paedomorphic salamander that keeps its gills into adulthood.
- The paedomorphic leaves of the plant resemble those of a seedling even when fully grown.
- Many dog breeds have paedomorphic traits like large eyes and floppy ears that make them look puppy-like.
Synonyms