The Evolution of Integration of Biological Systems: An Evolutionary Perspective through Studies on Cells, Tissues, and Organs

Abstract

Biologists are integrating studies of morphology, development, physiology,and other disciplines in order to understand how species and lineages diversify and cope with their environments. An evolutionary perspective in such studies, including those of cells, tissues, and organs, is potentially useful for the structure and analysis of such problems. Evolutionary biology is the study of the history of evolution and the elucidation of its mechanisms. Comparative biology is the comparison of a trait or traits in selected taxa, and may be, but need not be, evolutionary in approach. A phylogenetic hypothesis is necessary for reconstruction of pattern in morphology, ecology, behavior, and other areas. Acquaintance with evolutionary and phylogenetic perspectives can guide selection of taxa for study and open new approaches to analysis of data. Such an approach is not always appropriate to problems in biology, but it could be utilized beneficially more frequently than is currently practiced. Studies of cells, tissues, and organs may contribute to the construction of new phylogenetic hypotheses and to analysis of patterns and mechanisms of change when pursued from an evolutionary perspective