Philosophy Dictionary of ArgumentsHome | |||
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Evolution: Evolution is the process by which populations of living organisms change over generations. It is driven by natural selection, which is the process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this can lead to the emergence of new species. See also Selection, Mutation, Species, Survival, Fitness, Darwinism._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
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Charles Darwin on Evolution - Dictionary of Arguments
Gould II 329 Darwin: 2 stages of evolution 1) Random range of variation (production of raw material) 2) Selection as a conventional force. Gould II 331 The official definition of evolution/Gould: Def Evolution: "Change of gene frequencies in populations". (The process of random increase or decrease in the gene frequency is called Def "genetic drift".) The new theory of neutralism suggests that many, if not most, of the genes in individual populations owe their frequency primarily to chance. --- Mayr I 235 Darwin (early): change by adaption. - Vs: adaption can never explain the enormous diversity of organic life, because there is no increase in the number of species. Mayr I 236 Darwin/Mayr: The Origin of Species: 5 Main Theories 1) Organisms are constantly evolving over time (evolution as such). 2) Different types of organisms are derived from a common ancestor. 3) Species multiply over time (speciation) 4) Evolution takes place in the form of gradual change. (GradualismVsSaltationism). 5) The evolutionary mechanism consists in the competition of subordinate unique individuals for limited resources that lead to differences in survival and reproduction (natural selection). >Selection. --- Gould IV 357 Evolution/Darwin: Thesis: no inner dynamics drives life forward! If the environment really did not change, it would not be impossible for evolution to come to a standstill crunchingly! Actually, the species lead their lives independently of each other! Their most important battles take place against climate, geological and geographical conditions. (>Species)._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Gould I Stephen Jay Gould The Panda’s Thumb. More Reflections in Natural History, New York 1980 German Edition: Der Daumen des Panda Frankfurt 2009 Gould II Stephen Jay Gould Hen’s Teeth and Horse’s Toes. Further Reflections in Natural History, New York 1983 German Edition: Wie das Zebra zu seinen Streifen kommt Frankfurt 1991 Gould III Stephen Jay Gould Full House. The Spread of Excellence from Plato to Darwin, New York 1996 German Edition: Illusion Fortschritt Frankfurt 2004 Gould IV Stephen Jay Gould The Flamingo’s Smile. Reflections in Natural History, New York 1985 German Edition: Das Lächeln des Flamingos Basel 1989 Mayr I Ernst Mayr This is Biology, Cambridge/MA 1997 German Edition: Das ist Biologie Heidelberg 1998 Gould IV Stephen Jay Gould The Flamingo’s Smile. Reflections in Natural History, New York 1985 German Edition: Das Lächeln des Flamingos Basel 1989 |