Neoteny (/niːˈɒtᵻni/ /niːˈɒtni/ or /niːˈɒtəni/), also called juvenilization, is one of the two ways by which paedomorphism can arise. Paedomorphism or paedomorphosis is the retention by adults of traits previously seen only in the young, and is a subject studied in the field of developmental biology. Neoteny is found in modern humans. Paedomorphism can also be the retention of larval traits which is commonly studied in salamanders. In neoteny, the physiological (or somatic) development of an organism (typically an animal) is slowed or delayed. In contrast, in progenesis, sexual development occurs faster. Both processes result in paedomorphism, a type of heterochrony. Ultimately this process results in the retention, in the adults of a species, of juvenile physical characteristics well into maturity and pedogenesis (paedogenesis), the reproduction in a neotenized state.
Neoteny is one of three dimensions of heterochrony, or the change in timing of developmental events: acceleration (faster) vs. neoteny (slower), hypermorphosis (further) vs. progenesis (not as far), and predisplacement (begins earlier) vs. postdisplacement (begins later).
lethargic as it may seem this closure is all that we have and the neon light on my heart is still blinking vacancy I'm not ready to throw your tears away I'm not believing that my mind will forget you someday, you said I would be alright but I keep on waiting I keep you hanging from strings of my heart that ties itself to you
I still drive the car with these automatic windows we loved so much as we smoked our fears away I'm still hanging on dreams of castles and clouds and white picket fences and you spending your life with me...
you said that I'd be alright you said that I'd be o.k. well I'm not and I'm miserable and I'm drinking tonight to remember how good it once felt back when life felt real