The phrase "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny" means:
A) all species have essentially the same evolutionary development.
B) an individual's development is similar to the evolutionary development of its species.
C) a species' development mirrors the development of each of the individuals in that species.
D) species develop through the survival of the fittest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phrase "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny" means that an individual's development (ontogeny) follows and repeats the evolutionary development of its species (phylogeny). This theory has been largely refuted, but the phrase is still used to describe the similarities between an organism's development and the evolutionary history of its species. Therefore, the best choice is B.

The Phrase "Ontogeny Recapitulates Phylogeny" Means