noun
- the evolutionary process in which sensory organs and a brain become concentrated at the anterior (head) end of an animal's body
Usage: biology; evolutionary biology
Examples
- Cephalization is a key feature in the evolution of most animal phyla.
- The development of cephalization allowed organisms to sense their environment more effectively.
- Early worms show evidence of cephalization with nerve clusters forming at the front end.
- Cephalization represents an important adaptation for mobile, predatory animals.
- Scientists study cephalization to understand how complex nervous systems evolved.