🔵 Atavistic Meaning - Atavism Examples - Atavistical Defined - Formal English - Atavistic Definition

Summary

This video explains the concept of atavism, a biological phenomenon where an organism exhibits traits from distant ancestors after being absent for generations. The presenter discusses examples like hair growth, fear of the dark, and instinctual behaviors such as seeking high-calorie foods. Atavism is described both in a biological and metaphorical sense, extending to behaviors, traditions, and even laws that are considered old-fashioned or primitive. The video emphasizes the potential value of reviving atavistic traits or methods while also highlighting their negative connotations in some contexts. The word's Latin origin and its use in various formal contexts are also explored.

Takeaways

• 😀 Atavism is a biological phenomenon where traits from distant ancestors reappear after being absent for several generations.
• 😀 The term 'atavistic' refers to characteristics or behaviors that are ancient or primitive, often reemerging after being absent for a long time.
• 😀 An example of atavism in biology is when a person has an excessive amount of body hair, reminiscent of more ancestral traits.
• 😀 Atavism can also describe human behaviors that seem rooted in ancient instincts, such as the fear of the dark or a preference for high-calorie foods.
• 😀 The word 'atavistic' can also be applied to cultural or societal behaviors, such as old-fashioned laws or traditions, that feel primitive or outdated.
• 😀 Atavism can carry both positive and negative connotations. It can refer to beneficial ancestral traits or harmful, violent behaviors from the past.
• 😀 Positive examples of atavism might include sustainable farming methods that were once abandoned but could be valuable today.
• 😀 Negative examples include behaviors like *atavistic violence* tied to drinking, where primitive aggression resurfaces in modern times.
• 😀 The formality of the term *atavism* is rated between 7.5 and 8, meaning it's suitable for semi-formal and formal contexts, such as essays or academic discussions.
• 😀 While the term *atavism* is useful for academic contexts, it might sound out of place in everyday conversation due to its specific and formal nature.
• 😀 The term 'atavism' comes from Latin, with *atavus* meaning 'ancestor,' and highlights how traits from earlier generations reappear after being lost for some time.

Q & A

What does 'atavism' mean in biology?

'Atavism' in biology refers to the reappearance of a characteristic or trait from previous generations that had been absent for several generations. It's a genetic throwback, where an organism suddenly exhibits a feature that had been lost in its evolutionary lineage.

What is the difference between 'atavistic' and 'atavistical'?

'Atavistic' is the more commonly used adjective, describing something that reverts to an ancient or ancestral form. 'Atavistical' is a less common variant but carries the same meaning.

Can 'atavism' be used to describe human behavior?

Yes, 'atavism' can be used metaphorically to describe human behaviors that seem primitive or instinctual, such as a fear of the dark or a desire for high-calorie foods, which are remnants of ancestral survival traits.

What is an example of an atavistic trait in humans?

An example of an atavistic trait in humans could be an innate fear of the dark, which may have been crucial for survival in ancient times but is no longer necessary in modern life.

What does 'atavistic law' refer to in the transcript?

An 'atavistic law' in the transcript refers to a law that is old-fashioned or outdated, bringing back practices from a distant past, such as flogging for theft, which the speaker considers regressive.

How does the speaker explain atavism in relation to food preferences?

The speaker suggests that the human preference for high-calorie foods is atavistic, as our ancestors needed to seek out such foods for energy and survival, a behavior that still influences us today.

What does the speaker mean by 'atavistic violence'?

'Atavistic violence' refers to a primitive or ancestral instinct for violence, which the speaker associates with the act of drinking alcohol, suggesting that alcohol can trigger more violent behaviors rooted in our evolutionary past.

What is the speaker's view on the use of atavistic teaching methods?

The speaker argues that some atavistic teaching methods, like focusing on the basics (reading, writing, and arithmetic), should be brought back into modern education, though not necessarily the punitive elements of past educational practices.

How does the word 'atavism' relate to the word 'ancestor'?

The word 'atavism' comes from the French word 'atavisme,' which is derived from the Latin 'atavus' meaning ancestor, reflecting the idea of returning to traits or characteristics of one's distant ancestors.

What does the speaker suggest about the atavistic aspects of human nature and society?

The speaker highlights that atavistic aspects of human nature, like certain instincts, can be both positive and negative. Some of these traits, such as the desire to be in groups or the enjoyment of nature, are seen as harmless or even beneficial, while others, like violent tendencies, are negative.