The term "ontogenetic" refers to the process of development and growth of an organism from its earliest stage to maturity. In biology, it is commonly used to describe the changes that occur in an individual organism during its lifetime, from conception to death.
Ontogenetic development can encompass a wide range of changes, including physical growth and maturation, the acquisition of new abilities and behaviors, and changes in the organism's physiology and metabolism. The term is often contrasted with "phylogenetic," which refers to the evolutionary history and relationships between different species.
In summary, the ontogenetic definition refers to the study of an individual organism's development and growth over the course of its lifetime.
