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Structuralism (biology)
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Biological or process structuralism is a school of biological thought that objects to an exclusively Darwinian or adaptationist explanation of natural selection such as is described in the 20th centur
In his 1917 book On Growth and Form, D'Arcy Thompson illustrates the geometric transformation of one fish's body form into another with a 20° shear ma
In his 1917 book On Growth and Form, D'Arcy Thompson illustrates the geometric transformation of one fish's body form into another with a 20° shear mapping. He does not discuss the evolutionary causes of such a structural change, and has accordingly been suspected of vitalism.
Dickinsonia fossil described as a "pneu" structure with chambers inflated like a quilted air mattress. In Adolf Seilacher's structuralist view, the st
Dickinsonia fossil described as a "pneu" structure with chambers inflated like a quilted air mattress. In Adolf Seilacher's structuralist view, the structure is determined mechanically by the need to distribute the tension across the surface, rather than having been guided by natural selection.
An ornamented bridge spandrel. Steven J. Gould and Richard Lewontin argued that the triangular area is a byproduct of the adaptation of structures aro
An ornamented bridge spandrel. Steven J. Gould and Richard Lewontin argued that the triangular area is a byproduct of the adaptation of structures around it.
Natural patterns like those on the skin of the Giant pufferfish can be created by spatial oscillations of chemical signals.
Natural patterns like those on the skin of the Giant pufferfish can be created by spatial oscillations of chemical signals.
Alternatives to Darwinian evolution
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Alternatives to Darwinian evolution have been proposed by scholars investigating biology to explain signs of evolution and the relatedness of different groups of living things. The alternatives in que
Structuralism (biology)
…Darwinian or adaptationist explanation of natural selection such as is described in the 20th century's modern synthesis. It proposes instead that evolution is guided differently, by physical forces which shape the development of an animal's body, and sometimes implies that these forces supersede selection altogether. Structuralists…
The mediaeval great chain of being as a staircase, implying the possibility of progress: Ramon Llull's Ladder of Ascent and Descent of the Mind, 1305
The mediaeval great chain of being as a staircase, implying the possibility of progress: Ramon Llull's Ladder of Ascent and Descent of the Mind, 1305
Louis Pasteur believed that only living things could carry out fermentation. Painting by Albert Edelfelt, 1885
Louis Pasteur believed that only living things could carry out fermentation. Painting by Albert Edelfelt, 1885
Henry Fairfield Osborn claimed in 1918 that Titanothere horns showed a non-adaptive orthogenetic trend.
Henry Fairfield Osborn claimed in 1918 that Titanothere horns showed a non-adaptive orthogenetic trend.
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, drawn by Jules Pizzetta, 1893
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, drawn by Jules Pizzetta, 1893