1. the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult form of an organism
Usage: biology; zoology

Examples

• Paedomorphism is common in salamanders that retain their gills throughout life.
• The axolotl is a classic example of paedomorphism in amphibians.
• Some dog breeds show paedomorphism by maintaining puppy-like features as adults.
• Paedomorphism allows certain species to reproduce while retaining larval characteristics.
• The scientist studied paedomorphism in various marine invertebrates.
• Human evolution may have involved some degree of paedomorphism compared to other primates.