orthogenesis

[ awr-thuh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

1. Biology.
   1. Also called orthoselection. evolution of a species proceeding by continuous structural changes in a single lineage without presenting a branching pattern of descent.
   2. a theory that the evolution of a species in a continuous, nonbranching manner is due to a predetermined series of alterations intrinsic to the species and not subject to natural selection.
2. Sociology. a hypothetical parallelism between the stages through which every culture necessarily passes, in spite of secondary conditioning factors.

orthogenesis

/ ˌɔːθəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs; ˌɔːθəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. biology
   1. evolution of a group of organisms predetermined to occur in a particular direction
   2. the theory that proposes such a development
2. the theory that there is a series of stages through which all cultures pass in the same order

Derived Forms

• ˌorthogeˈnetically, adverb
• orthogenetic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthogenesis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1890–95; ortho-, genesis

Example Sentences

Plate has recently given this "definitely directed variation" the name of ectogenetic orthogenesis, or, briefly, ectogenesis.

From Project Gutenberg

This theory of Orthogenesis has not figured very strongly in the history of the movement, but it recurs at intervals.

From Project Gutenberg

What is the third objection to Darwinism, and what is the bearing upon it of the theory of Orthogenesis?

From Project Gutenberg

The same can be said of any one of the teological theories, including the orthogenesis of post-Darwinian writers.

From Project Gutenberg

Eimer, of Germany, has based on facts like these his theory of Orthogenesis.

From Project Gutenberg