preformation (Meaning)
preformation (n)
a theory (popular in the 18th century and now discredited) that an individual develops by simple enlargement of a tiny fully formed organism (a homunculus) that exists in the germ cell
Synonyms & Antonyms of preformation
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
preformation Sentence Examples
- Preformationism maintains that all features of an organism are predetermined in the seed or egg.
- The concept of preformation was prevalent in embryological thought until the 18th century.
- Preformationists believed that the embryo is a miniature version of the adult organism.
- According to preformation theory, the male sperm carries preformed structures that contribute to the development of the embryo.
- Early preformationists proposed that the egg contained tiny, fully formed animals called homunculi.
- The preformation theory left no room for evolutionary changes or adaptations.
- The discovery of cell division and growth challenged the preformationist view.
- Modern embryology disproves the idea of preformation, demonstrating that development occurs through cellular differentiation and growth.
- The preformation debate remains a significant historical episode that shaped our understanding of embryological processes.
- Preformationist notions continue to influence some areas of biology, such as evolutionary developmental biology.
FAQs About the word preformation
a theory (popular in the 18th century and now discredited) that an individual develops by simple enlargement of a tiny fully formed organism (a homunculus) that
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Preformationism maintains that all features of an organism are predetermined in the seed or egg.
The concept of preformation was prevalent in embryological thought until the 18th century.
Preformationists believed that the embryo is a miniature version of the adult organism.
According to preformation theory, the male sperm carries preformed structures that contribute to the development of the embryo.
