A Theory of Speciation.
or
How C.R.Darwin Overstated the Scope of Natural Selection.
Abstract
Background.
Natural selection has great ongoing utility but there have been difficulties for the theory from its inception. Some original problems are reviewed. Current explanations of these problems are now considered adequate, but a systematic and parsimonious explanation that encompasses current models may be possible. Why did these problems ever arise? We lack a satisfactory explanation.
Method.
Adaptation has been noted and investigated from earliest times. Theoretical implications of adaptation have not been explored. Adaptation can be defined as a process of natural selection. This process has a start point and an end point. It allows me to produce a yardstick and to consider the adaptive condition of breeding populations. Implications of the adaptation process are tested against the theoretical difficulties discussed earlier.
Results.
Considering the adaptive condition of a breeding population provides a key to understanding these problems in terms of natural selection. Constancy of form, ‘rapid’ change in radiations, scarcity of intermediate fossils, and speciation are predictable consequences of adaptation.
Conclusions.
Selection has always been considered as a mechanism of evolution. This leads to a prediction of constant gradual change of form and produces conflicts with observations. If we make a more modest assumption - that selection is the mechanism of adaptation, we predict a variable rate of change (dependant on adaptive state) and predictions match observations.
Criticism please.
Full text available here:
http://sites.google.com/site/theoryofspeciation
or
How C.R.Darwin Overstated the Scope of Natural Selection.
Abstract
Background.
Natural selection has great ongoing utility but there have been difficulties for the theory from its inception. Some original problems are reviewed. Current explanations of these problems are now considered adequate, but a systematic and parsimonious explanation that encompasses current models may be possible. Why did these problems ever arise? We lack a satisfactory explanation.
Method.
Adaptation has been noted and investigated from earliest times. Theoretical implications of adaptation have not been explored. Adaptation can be defined as a process of natural selection. This process has a start point and an end point. It allows me to produce a yardstick and to consider the adaptive condition of breeding populations. Implications of the adaptation process are tested against the theoretical difficulties discussed earlier.
Results.
Considering the adaptive condition of a breeding population provides a key to understanding these problems in terms of natural selection. Constancy of form, ‘rapid’ change in radiations, scarcity of intermediate fossils, and speciation are predictable consequences of adaptation.
Conclusions.
Selection has always been considered as a mechanism of evolution. This leads to a prediction of constant gradual change of form and produces conflicts with observations. If we make a more modest assumption - that selection is the mechanism of adaptation, we predict a variable rate of change (dependant on adaptive state) and predictions match observations.
Criticism please.
Full text available here:
http://sites.google.com/site/theoryofspeciation
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