Definition

Adjective 1. Relating to the production of living organisms from other living organisms: Pertaining to the biological concept that life originates only from pre-existing life, not from non-living matter. 2. Relating to biogenesis: Of or concerning the theory that living things arise only from other living things, historically opposing the idea of spontaneous generation.

Usage Examples

• The biogenetic principle fundamentally rejects the notion of spontaneous generation.
• Studying biogenetic processes helps us understand the continuity of life.
• The experiment provided evidence supporting biogenetic theory.

Advanced Usage

• Biogenetic law (Recapitulation theory): A largely discredited biological hypothesis that an organism's embryonic development (ontogeny) recapitulates its evolutionary history (phylogeny). This is a specific, historical application of the term.
  • Example: "Haeckel's biogenetic law was influential in 19th-century biology but is not considered valid in its original form today."

Variants and Related Words

• Biogenetical (adjective): An alternative, less common form with the same meaning.
• Biogenesis (noun): The principle or process of life arising from pre-existing life.
• Biogenic (adjective): Produced by living organisms or biological processes. (Note: This is a distinct term often confused with . refers to the of a substance, e.g., biogenic sediments, while relates to the of life's origin.)

Synonyms

• Biogenetical
• Life-from-life (descriptive phrase)

Antonyms

• Abiogenetic (relating to the origin of life from non-living matter)

Adjective

1. of or relating to the production of living organisms from other living organisms