Neoteny is defined as

Neoteny is defined as

• A. Accelerated development
• B. Increased size
• C. Retention of juvenile characteristics
• D. Early senescence

Answer: (C)

Neoteny is the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult form, typically because development slows or maturation is delayed so juvenile traits persist into adulthood. This means the mature individual still looks or functions like a juvenile in certain ways. Accelerated development would lead to earlier or more advanced maturation, not keeping juvenile traits. Increased size speaks to how big an organism grows, not whether it retains juvenile features. Early senescence refers to aging earlier in life, which is the opposite of retaining juvenile traits.

Neoteny is the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adult form, typically because development slows or maturation is delayed so juvenile traits persist into adulthood. This means the mature individual still looks or functions like a juvenile in certain ways. Accelerated development would lead to earlier or more advanced maturation, not keeping juvenile traits. Increased size speaks to how big an organism grows, not whether it retains juvenile features. Early senescence refers to aging earlier in life, which is the opposite of retaining juvenile traits.