Developmental Plasticity and Evolution
Book • 2003
Mary Jane West-Eberhard's 'Developmental Plasticity and Evolution' presents a thorough argument that developmental plasticity—the capacity of organisms to alter development in response to environmental conditions—is a major driver of evolutionary change.
She synthesizes evidence across developmental biology, evolutionary theory, and ecology to show how plastic responses can become stabilized through selection and genetic accommodation.
The book challenges gene-centric views by emphasizing how phenotypic innovation often arises from environmental perturbations and developmental responses.
West-Eberhard connects ideas from Baldwin effect research and neo-Lamarckian debates while providing detailed empirical cases.
Her work has been pivotal in shaping eco-evo-devo discussions and rethinking the interplay between development, plasticity, and evolution.
She synthesizes evidence across developmental biology, evolutionary theory, and ecology to show how plastic responses can become stabilized through selection and genetic accommodation.
The book challenges gene-centric views by emphasizing how phenotypic innovation often arises from environmental perturbations and developmental responses.
West-Eberhard connects ideas from Baldwin effect research and neo-Lamarckian debates while providing detailed empirical cases.
Her work has been pivotal in shaping eco-evo-devo discussions and rethinking the interplay between development, plasticity, and evolution.
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John Protevi
John Protevi, “Life, War, Earth: Deleuze and the Sciences” (University of Minnesota Press, 2013)
