atavism in a sentence
n.
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Definition
Atavism is the reappearance of ancestral traits or characteristics in an organism, often after several generations of absence.
Sample Sentences
- Atavism can often be observed in the traits of certain animal species that seem to revert to ancestral forms.
- The sudden appearance of a tail in a human born with a rare genetic condition is an example of atavism.
- Scientists study atavism to better understand evolutionary processes and the genetic traits of our ancestors.
- Atavism challenges our understanding of genetics by revealing how dormant traits can resurface unexpectedly.
- In literature, the theme of atavism is often explored through characters who embody primal instincts.
- The discovery of atavistic features in ancient fossils provides valuable insights into the evolution of modern species.
- Atavism in plants can manifest as the re-emergence of traits that were common in their wild ancestors.
- Some researchers argue that atavism illustrates the unpredictability of genetic expression across generations.
- The concept of atavism raises intriguing questions about the balance between evolution and regression in nature.
- In psychology, atavism may be used to describe behaviors that hark back to primitive instincts in modern humans.