English Dictionary

ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny

proverb

(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization. Not taken literally since the late 19th century.

Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.

意味（1）

(biology, social sciences, art, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization. Not taken literally since the late 19th century.

With reference to seedling stages the statement that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny must be made with great reserve.