What is the Difference Between Neoteny and Progenesis?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Neoteny and progenesis are both forms of heterochrony, which refers to the change in the relative timing of developmental events in an organism. They result in paedomorphism, where an organism retains juvenile traits in adulthood. However, they differ in the aspect of development they affect:
- Neoteny: This is the slowing down of somatic development, resulting in reproduction happening at an earlier stage compared to the ancestral form. In neoteny, the somatic cell growth is retarded, while the germ cell growth remains normal. This is commonly observed in young individuals. Neoteny is also seen in domesticated animals, where abundant resources and lowered competition allow them to mature and reproduce more quickly than their wild counterparts.
- Progenesis: This is the speeding up of the germ line, also resulting in paedomorphosis. In progenesis, the somatic cell growth remains normal, while the germ cell growth is accelerated, leading to earlier sexual maturation. This condition is much faster and rapid compared to neoteny.
In summary, the key difference between neoteny and progenesis is the type of paedomorphism they show. Neoteny displays retarded somatic cell growth and normal germ cell growth, while progenesis exhibits accelerated germ cell growth and normal somatic cell growth.
Comparative Table: Neoteny vs Progenesis
Neoteny and progenesis are both mechanisms that result in pedomorphosis, a phenomenon where an organism retains juvenile characteristics into adulthood. Here is a table comparing the differences between neoteny and progenesis:
Feature | Neoteny | Progenesis |
---|---|---|
Definition | Retarded somatic cell growth and normal germ cell growth | Accelerated germ cell growth and normal somatic cell growth |
Cell Growth | Slowed down somatic development | Speeded up germ line development |
Result | Reproduction happens in what was ancestrally a juvenile morphologic stage | Reproduction happens in what was ancestrally a juvenile morphologic stage |
Type of | Delays physiological, but not sexual, maturity | Speeds up sexual, but not physiological, maturity |
Paedomorphosis | Retains juvenile physical characteristics well into maturity | Retains juvenile physical characteristics well into maturity |
Both neoteny and progenesis lead to pedomorphosis and show juvenile characteristics. They both take place due to heterochronic mutations and are related to the development processes.
- Neoteny vs Paedogenesis
- Neurogenesis Neuroplasticity vs Neuroregeneration
- Protandry vs Protogyny
- Metagenesis vs Metamorphosis
- Neurulation vs Gastrulation
- Gametogenesis vs Embryogenesis
- Sporogenesis vs Gametogenesis
- Hypermorph vs Neomorph
- Parthenogenesis vs Parthenocarpy
- Apexification vs Apexogenesis
- Cisgenesis vs Transgenesis
- Ontogeny vs Phylogeny
- Neural Stem Cells vs Neural Progenitor Cells
- Hyperplasia vs Neoplasia
- Apomixis vs Parthenogenesis
- Regeneration vs Reproduction
- Cisgenesis vs Intragenesis
- Anagenesis vs Cladogenesis
- Spermatogenesis vs Oogenesis