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A developmental approach to the problem of variation in evolutionary rates

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, ISSN: 1095-8312, Vol: 18, Issue: 3, Page: 243-261
1982
  • 12
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 10
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    12
    • Citation Indexes
      12
  • Captures
    10

Article Description

Certain general features are widely recognized in evolution, one of which is the variability in the rate at which morphological characters evolve and taxa are replaced by others. Although some rate‐variability in evolution no doubt arises because of different rates of ecological change, it is proposed that some of the variability also arises from developmental, rather than ecological, sources. A theory is outlined whereby early‐acting genes influencing the course of development evolve more slowly, but have individually larger effects, than genes affecting development at a later stage in the life‐cycle. The erratic course of morphological evolution that results is illustrated by computer simulation. It is suggested that the applicability of the theory is restricted to long‐term evolution and that variability in the rate of evolution over shorter periods may be of an entirely different nature. Copyright © 1982, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

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