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cephalization

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌsɛfəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

KK: /sɛfəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The process in evolution where an organism develops a head with concentrated sensory and nervous systems at the front of its body.


Example

Cephalization is an important step in the evolution of many animal species, allowing for better sensory perception and coordination.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about cephalization in animals?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it has to do with how their brains are organized, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It’s interesting how some species develop their sensory organs in the head.
Sloth B
Totally! It really shows how evolution shapes different creatures.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
centralization
concentration
aggregation
Antonyms
decentralization
dispersal
scattering
Root Explanation

Cephalization is formed from "cephalus" (from Greek "kephalē", meaning head) and "-ization" (meaning the process of making or becoming). The term refers to the evolutionary trend in which the nervous system and sensory organs become concentrated in the head region of an organism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'head' ('cephalus') and the process of 'becoming' ('-ization') to remember that cephalization means the process of developing a head with concentrated sensory organs.

Visually Confused Words
decephalization
acetalization
realization
celtization
epithelization
chloralization
chattelization
chaptalization
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