Heterochrony as a Parallel to Natural Selection Term Paper by Jay Writtings LLC
Heterochrony as a Parallel to Natural Selection
Scientific analysis of heterochrony as an alternative theory to natural selection.
# 120338
| 1,379 words
| 9 sources
| APA
| 2010
| 
Published
on Jun 09, 2010
in
Biology
(Molecular and Cell)
, Chemistry
(Biochemistry)
, Biology
(Genetics)
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Description:
This paper proposes that heterochrony, which can be described as the displacement of developmental timing of a species, offers an alternative to the theory of natural selection. The paper explains that heterochrony defines ultimate physical alterations in terms of differential developmental timing, rather than the survival of those genes which are most fit to the environment, as described by the theory of natural selection. The paper goes on to clarify that as the timing of a developmental stage is changed so too will successive developmental stages, which over evolutionary time can cause the appearance of a new organism as it becomes reproductively cut off from its ancestors, and thus a new species. In conclusion, the paper asserts that the theory of heterochrony, while not as widely known and popular as the theory of natural selection, offers a new form of discussion, argument, controversy, and contemplation.
From the Paper:
"Akin to the increasing complexities throughout evolution, and across species, as roughly described by Aristotle, is the all too common misconception that evolution is a linear progression. There are many who see Homo sapiens as the final, most complex stage in evolution. Agreeably, humans are multi-cellular organisms who exhibit very involved and complicated behaviors. Bacteria and single-celled organisms, on the other hand are often thought of as obsolete due to their simplicity. While cellular complexity is clearly increased in humans, the two organisms must also be compared along the lines of evolutionary success. According to evolutionary success, it becomes clear that the bacteria are more advanced, as they have survived for 3,500 million years. This regression from linear thinking in terms of evolutionary concepts is necessary for the further grasp of its intangible and often abstract ideas."Sample of Sources Used:
- Bogin, Barry. (1999). Patterns of Human Growth. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press.
- Gould, Stephen Jay. (1977). Ontogeny and Phylogeny. Harvard University Press
- Gould, Stephen Jay. (1980). The Panda's Thumb. W.W. Norton & Company
- http://www.annonline.com/interviews/961009/biography.html
- http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0807617.html
Cite this Term Paper:
APA Format
Heterochrony as a Parallel to Natural Selection (2010, June 09)
Retrieved April 02, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/heterochrony-as-a-parallel-to-natural-selection-120338/
MLA Format
"Heterochrony as a Parallel to Natural Selection" 09 June 2010.
Web. 02 April. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/heterochrony-as-a-parallel-to-natural-selection-120338/>