anagenesis

[ an-uh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

1. Biology. the progressive evolution of a species. Compare catagenesis.
2. Physiology. the regeneration of tissue.

Other Words From

• an·a·ge·net·ic [an-, uh, -j, uh, -, net, -ik], ana·ge·neti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of anagenesis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; ana-, genesis

Example Sentences

She found that some species thought to have evolved through "anagenesis" -- when one slowly turns into another, but lineage doesn't split -- may have actually "budded": when a new species branches off from an existing one.*

From Science Daily

Notes: *For example, the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis was believed to have speciated via anagenesis from Australopithecus anamensis.

From Science Daily

They found that anagenesis increases with island isolation, and cladogenesis increases on larger, more isolated islands.

From Nature

A new tyrannosaur with evidence with evidence for anagenesis and crocodile-like facial sensory system.

From Scientific American

One of the most notable naturalists of our time has insisted on the opposition of two orders of phenomena observed in living tissues, anagenesis and katagenesis.

From Project Gutenberg