Heterochronistic

/ˌhɛtərəkrəˈnɪstɪk/ adjective

Definition

Characterized by or relating to events, objects, or processes that belong to different time periods.

Etymology

From heterochronism plus -istic (characteristic of). A rare, technical adjective used primarily in evolutionary biology and paleontology.

Kelly Says

Finding heterochronistic fossils in the same rock layer—like advanced and primitive species side-by-side—can puzzle scientists until they realize water currents jumbled them together.

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