返祖现象 (fǎn zǔ xiàn xiàng) — (biology) atavism; (figurative) throwback, regression

Definition

A formal scientific term for 'atavism' — when an organism shows traits of a distant ancestor. Used figuratively to mean a 'throwback' in behavior or ideas.

noun
(biology) atavism(figurative) throwbackregression

Examples

  • 返祖现象
    Zhè zhī xiǎo māo cháng chū le tiáo wén, shì yì zhǒng fǎn zǔ xiàn xiàng.
    This kitten has developed stripes — it's a kind of atavism.
  • 返祖现象
    Zhè zhǒng fǎn zǔ xiàn xiàng zài rén lèi shēn shàng hěn shǎo jiàn.
    This kind of atavism is rarely seen in humans.
  • 返祖现象
    Tā de jí duān guān diǎn bèi rèn wéi shì yì zhǒng sī xiǎng shàng de fǎn zǔ xiàn xiàng.
    His extreme views are seen as a kind of ideological throwback.

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