Evolution: An Evolving TheoryIs evolution predictible? Taking into account the results of such diverse disciplines of natural sciences as e. g. genetics embryology, ecology, palaeontology on the threshold of the coming century, the authors stretch out their ideas for discussing this question. Charles Devillers, biologist, and Jean Chaline, palaeontologist and geologist, developed a new assessment of the historic framework of evolution, based on their longterm experiences in scientific research, also including philosophical aspects to life. They aimed the book at a publicreceptive to problems of the origin and evolution of life and especially of mankind to teachers and scientists of various topics in the sciences of life, Earth and the Universe. |
Contents
The Theory of Evolution The 19th Century Concepts | 1 |
Is the Theory of Evolution a Scientific Theory? | 7 |
The Synthetic Theory | 13 |
Copyright | |
26 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
adaptation adult ammonites anagenesis animal apes appearance australopithecines become biological evolution body plans bone cells Chaline chance chimpanzee chromosomes chronological shifts cladogenesis climatic complex concept constraints Cretaceous Darwin divergence diversification Drosophila ecological niches environment environmental established evol evolutionary change example extinction factors formation forms fossils frequently functional genes genetic material genetic programme geological giraffe gorilla gradual evolution groups growth heterochronies increase interbreed l'évolution leading lineage macroevolution major body plans mammals Mayr mechanisms mice million years ago modifications molecular molecules molluscs morphological mutations natural selection neoteny number of individuals observed organism origin palaeontological palaeontological record palaeontologists parent species Paris patterns phases phyletic gradualism populations present processes progenesis proteins punctuated punctuated equilibria radiations represents reproductive isolation reptiles result role S. J. Gould sexual maturity skull speciation stage stasis structures subspecies synthetic theory temporal Tertiary theory of evolution tion Triassic ution variability variations vertebrates