What is atavism definition?

Atavism refers to the reappearance of physical or behavioral characteristics in a species that have not been seen in that species in many generations. It is often described as a genetic throwback, where an individual exhibits traits that are reminiscent of its ancestral forebearers. Atavisms can manifest in various forms, such as in physical appearance, organ development, and behavior patterns. Furthermore, atavisms occur when genetic mutations are not suppressed and are passed on to the next generation. While atavism can be seen as an anomaly or abnormality in a population, they are crucial in scientific study to help understand the evolutionary history of a species.