ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny English

Meaning ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny meaning

What does ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny mean?

ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny proverb

— (biology, social science, arts, philosophy) The physical, cultural, moral, or intellectual development of each individual passes through stages similar to the developmental stages of that individual's species, society, or civilization. Not taken literally since the late 19th century.