evolution of a group of organisms predetermined to occur in a particular direction
b.
the theory that proposes such a development
2.
the theory that there is a series of stages through which all cultures pass in the same order
Derived forms
orthogenetic (ˌɔːθəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk)
adjective
orthogenetically (ˌorthogeˈnetically)
adverb
orthogenesis in American English
(ˌɔrθoʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs)
noun
1. Biology
a now discredited theory that states that the progressive evolution of certain organisms in a restricted direction throughout successive generations is independent of outside influences and natural selection
2. Anthropology
the theory, no longer accepted, that every culture follows the same fixed course of evolution, uninfluenced by differing environmental factors