All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Write short notes in 150 words:
Paedomorphosis

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

Paedomorphosis is a captivating evolutionary phenomenon where adult organisms retain traits that were once characteristic only of their juvenile or larval stages. It's a type of heterochrony, a shift in the timing or rate of developmental events. There are broadly two mechanisms: neoteny and progenesis. In neoteny, the somatic (body) development slows down, while the gonadal (reproductive) development proceeds at a normal rate. This means the animal becomes reproductively mature while still possessing larval features, as famously seen in the axolotl, which can reach sexual maturity while retaining its feathery external gills and aquatic lifestyle. Progenesis, on the other hand, involves an accelerated maturation of reproductive organs, leading to sexual maturity occurring in an organism that is still morphologically a juvenile. Paedomorphosis can be a significant pathway for evolutionary innovation, allowing species to adapt to new environments or exploit new niches by retaining advantageous juvenile traits.

Answered By:

Harsh Raj

Harsh Raj is a successful government exam expert, having cleared multiple stages of SSC CGL, IBPS PO, CDS, RRB NTPC, and Delhi Police SI exams himself and mentored more than 5000 students through direct mentorship. His expertise is in creating well researched content, especially MCQs, which have been directly asked by relevant commissions in multiple exams.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Book lungs

  2. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Torsion and detorsion in gastropods

  3. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Metagenesis

  4. Write short notes in 150 words:
    Draw a well-labelled diagram of human eye and write its functions.

  5. Give an illustrated account of reproduction in sponges.

  6. Describe the general features, distribution and social organization in termites.

  7. Describe the comparative anatomy of digestive system in vertebrates.

  8. Describe the different stages of life cycle of Pheretima with the help of suitable diagrams.

  9. Discuss the various modes of nutrition in protozoa. 

  10. Give an illustrated account of skull types in reptiles.


Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. Write a note in 150 words
    Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits.

  2. Write a note in 150 words
    Theoretical significance of Purum kinship-system.

  3. Write a note in 150 words
    Smell as a signal among non-human primates.

  4. Write a note in 150 words
    Osteodontokeratik culture and its makers.

  5. Discuss the Miocene hominoid remains and their significance in evolution.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSC CMS
August 02, 2026
IAS Exam
August 21, 2026
UPSC SO Steno
December 12, 2026
Test Series
IAS img
UPSC
UPSC CSE (IAS) 2027 Prelims Mock Test Series
654 Tests 3 Tests Free
681 Attempts
4.8(182)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App