Theory Of Preformation (Noun)
Meaning
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The theory of preformation was a widely accepted idea in 18th-century biology that held a fully formed, tiny organism existed within reproductive cells.
- The concept of the theory of preformation proposed that development simply involved the growth of a pre-existing, fully formed individual, or homunculus.
- Historians consider the theory of preformation an important milestone in understanding the evolution of embryonic development theories over time.
- A study of the historical context of the theory of preformation reveals that societal pressures led to a strict adherence to the preformation model.
- The abandonment of the theory of preformation in favor of epigenesis marked a significant shift in our understanding of biological development and fertilization.