Paedomorphosis
Paedomorphosis is a biological phenomenon where adult organisms retain juvenile traits. This process can occur in various species, including amphibians like axolotls, which remain in their larval form throughout their lives while still reproducing. Paedomorphosis can result from environmental factors or genetic changes that favor the retention of these juvenile characteristics.
There are two main types of paedomorphosis: neoteny, where the development is slowed down, and progenesis, where reproductive maturity is reached earlier than usual. This phenomenon can have significant evolutionary implications, influencing how species adapt to their environments and interact with other organisms.