speciation

n. the formation of new species. The process involves one population splitting into two or more populations that are reproductively isolated from each other. Over time, the accrued genetic differences between these populations become so great as to prevent successful interbreeding.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

false self

in the object relations theory of British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott (1896–1971), the self that develops as a defense against impingements and in adaptation to the environment. This contrasts with the true self, which develops in an environment that adapts to the infant and allows him or her to discover and express true impulses.