Evolution Quote by Ernst Haeckel
“Ontogeny re-capitulates phylogeny.”
About This Quote
Source Scientific theory: Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny (19th‑century biology)
The development of an individual organism mirrors the evolutionary stages of its species.
In simple terms: Individual growth reflects species history.
Key Takeaway
Study developmental patterns to infer evolutionary history.
Themes
biology
evolution
development
history
Mood
inquisitive
critical
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- comparative anatomy
- evolutionary studies
Key Concepts
Recapitulation theory
phylogenetic development
embryology
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern evidence supports or refutes this idea?
- How does this concept influence current evolutionary biology?
A Different Perspective
Theory is oversimplified; many exceptions exist.
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![“Man is not distinguished from [the animals] by a special kind of soul, or by any peculiar and exclusive psychic function, but only by a higher degree of psychic activity, a superior stage of development.” quote by Ernst Haeckel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/83b/ernst-haeckel-20972_activity_man-is-not-distinguished-from-the-animal_721744.jpg)
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