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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