Abstract: The definition of animal segmentation phenomenon, from its phenomenon and word disorder status at home and abroad, its origin, type and its evolutionary significance were summarized. The basic situation and the existing confusion of the concept of animal segmentation phenomenon were introduced, and the definition of animal segmentation phenomenon was adjusted to increase the universal nature of animal segmentation. The origin of segmentation phenomena was summarized as the origin of the posterior growth zone, origin of the anterior growth zone and axial simultaneous origin three types. The definition and the examples of traditional homonomous segmentation and heteronomous segmentation were introduced in the more common words. It was clear that the homonomous segmentation and heteronomous segmentation generally existed in the animal kingdom rather than limited to annelids, arthropods and chordates or vertebrates. The serial repetition was added to traditional homonomous segmentation and heteronomous segmentation. The aim was to make readers have a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of animal segmentation and provide useful reference for zoology teaching.

Key words: animal, homonomous segmentation, heteronomous segmentation, serial repetition, origin, evolutionary significance