Neoteny ( or ), also called
juvenilization, is one of the two ways by which paedomorphism can arise.
Paedomorphism or
paedomorphosis is the retention by adults of traits previously seen only in the young, and is a subject studied in the field of
developmental biology. Neoteny is found in modern
humans. Paedomorphism can also be the retention of larval traits which is commonly studied in salamanders. In neoteny, the
physiological (or
somatic) development of an organism (typically an animal) is slowed or delayed. In contrast, in
progenesis,
sexual development occurs faster. Both processes result in paedomorphism, a type of
heterochrony. Ultimately this process results in the retention, in the adults of a
species, of juvenile physical characteristics well into maturity and pedogenesis (paedogenesis), the reproduction in a neotenized state.
