Darwinian theories and animal taxonomy

Abstract

Abstract This paper analyzes a variety of approaches to phylogenetic systematics, in the light of Darwinian theories on evolution in their modern forms. On the theoretical side emphasis is given to the changes in outlook introduced by classic Mendelism and by molecular biology, particularly in viewing definite functional morphologies as reactions to conditions of life and in regarding inter‐populations selection as usually playing substantial roles on major processes of divergence. For the empirical reconstruction of evolutionary processes emphasis is given to the comparative analysis of ≪analogic≫ (also called homologous) variation, as providing information that paralleles that given by ≪statistical laws≫ of phyletic change in ≪organs≫ and their function, in the vein of Dhorn and A. N. Severtsov. The main purpose, however, is to asseses the status and practical applicability of two major theories on phylogenetic systematics that are usually regarded as alternative — i.e., Darwin's and Schiaparel‐li's. Da...