evolutionary throwback

Definitions

An organism or individual that exhibits characteristics or traits typical of an ancestral form rather than its immediate predecessors.

A biological phenomenon, known as atavism, where a trait reappears after having been lost through evolutionary change in previous generations.

Examples

The scientist described the rare physical trait as an evolutionary throwback that had not been seen in the species for thousands of years.

Some biologists argue that the sudden reappearance of these vestigial structures is merely an evolutionary throwback triggered by a genetic mutation.

Synonyms

atavism evolutionary regression primitive reversion genetic throwback

Antonyms

evolutionary advancement progressive development modern adaptation biological innovation