Heterochronic

/ˌhɛtərəˈkrɑːnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to events or processes that occur at different times or at different rates in different organisms.

Etymology

From Greek hetero- (different) + chronos (time) + -ic (adjective suffix). Developed in biology to describe temporal variations in development and evolution.

Kelly Says

Humans and chimpanzees share nearly identical genes, but heterochronic differences in development mean our brains grow for years longer, which is why we develop such complex language abilities.

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