What does phylogeny refer to in the context of human development?

Phylogeny refers to the evolutionary development and history of a species or a group of related organisms. In the context of human development, this term encompasses how humans have evolved over millions of years, including the changes in genetic, anatomical, and behavioral traits that have occurred. The study of phylogeny in human development can help us understand the origins of human characteristics, including those related to social behavior, cognition, and adaptation.

In contrast, individual growth stages pertain to the specific developmental milestones that a single human experiences throughout their life. Psychological influences refer to the impact of psychological factors and experiences on development. Biological inheritance involves the transmission of genetic traits from parents to offspring but does not encompass the broader evolutionary perspective that phylogeny entails. Thus, the focus on evolutionary development accurately captures the essence of what phylogeny encompasses in the context of human development.