EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -More than just a catchy phrase, “ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny” is the foundation of recapitulation theory. Recapitulation theory posits that the development of individual organisms (ontogeny) follows (recapitulates) the same phases of the evolution of larger ancestral groups of related organisms (phylogeny).

Detailed explanation-2: -The recapitulation theory states that ontogeny, which is the developmental history of an organism from the zygote stage until it is ready for hatching or gestation, repeats phylogeny, which is the history of the evolution of the ancestors.

Detailed explanation-3: -Haeckel, who was adept at packaging and promoting his ideas, coined both a name for the process-“the Biogenetic Law”-as well as a catchy motto: “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.” Haeckel was so convinced of his Biogenetic Law that he was willing to bend evidence to support it.

Detailed explanation-4: -Option B: Haeckel: Ernst Haeckel was the one who stated the Theory of ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.

Detailed explanation-5: -Note: Recapitulation theory itself has been viewed in the field of historical biology and it’s development rather than dogma, tadpole of a frog is the best example, gills are present in the larva stage of frog but absent in the adult form.