Individuality is an important concept in biology, yet there are many non-equivalent criteria of individuality expressed different kinds biological individuals. This article evaluates these terms their capacity to support explanatory generalizations over the systems they individuate. Viewing problem from this perspective promotes a splitting strategy which make epistemic trade-offs that suit them for roles. I argue evolutionary individuals, interpreted as forming functional kind, face...

Comparative biology builds up systematic knowledge of the diversity life, across evolutionary lineages and levels organization, starting with evidence from a sparse sample model organisms. In developmental biology, key obstacle to growth comparative approaches is that concept homology not very well defined for organization are intermediate between individual genes morphological characters. this paper, we investigate what it means ontogenetic processes be homologous, focusing specifically on...

Abstract The chin, a distinguishing feature of Homo sapiens , has sparked ongoing debates regarding its evolutionary origins and adaptive significance. We contend that these controversies stem from fundamental disagreement about what constitutes well‐defined biological trait, problem received insufficient attention despite recognized importance in biology. In this paper, we leverage paleoanthropological research on the human chin to investigate general issue character or trait...

Given the pervasiveness of gene sharing in evolution and extent homology across tree life, why is everything not homologous with else? The continuity overlapping genetic contributions to diverse traits lineages seem imply that no discrete determination possible. Although some argue widespread overlap parts processes should be acknowledged as "partial" homology, this threatens a broad base presumed comparative morphological knowledge accepted by most biologists. Following long scientific...

Abstract The received view of B ergson's philosophy life is that it advances some form vitalism under the heading an “ élan vital .” This paper argues against vitalistic interpretation as appears in C reative E volution (1907) favor based on his overlooked reflections entropy and energetics. Within developed here, characterized not a spiritualistic “vital force” but tendency organization opposed to entropic degradation. It then shown how evolution living resonates with more contemporary...

Advances in developmental genetics and evo-devo the last several decades have enabled growth of novel approaches to classic theme homology. These depart from more standard phylogenetic view by contending that homology between morphological characters depends on developmental-genetic individuation explanation. This article provides a systematic re-examination relationship light current evidence evolutionary genomics. I present qualitative model processes cause de-coupling molecular evolution...

Although evolutionary transitions of individuality have been extensively theorized, little attention has paid to the origin levels organization within organisms. How and why do specialized cells become organized into tissues or organs? What spurs a transition in organizational level cases where function is already present constituent cell types? We propose model for this kind terms two key features cellular self-maintenance: metabolic constraints on functional performance capacity...

Abstract Adaptationism is often taken to be the thesis that most traits are adaptations. To assess this thesis, it seems we must able establish either an exhaustive set of all or a representative sample set. Either task requires more systematic and principled way individuating than currently available. Moreover, different trait individuation criteria can make adaptationism turn out true false. For instance, based on natural selection may render true, but do so by presupposing adaptationism....