Constraints and biases impact evolutionary patterns from "summary" of The Structure of Evolutionary Theory by Stephen Jay Gould
Evolutionary patterns are not solely determined by random variations and natural selection. Constraints and biases also play a crucial role in shaping the course of evolution. These constraints can be of various types, such as physical limitations, developmental constraints, or historical contingencies. By imposing limitations on what is possible or probable, constraints channel the direction of evolutionary change. Biases, on the other hand, refer to non-random patterns in the variation that can influence the outcomes of evolution. Biases can arise from a variety of sources, including genetic, ecological, or even cultural factors. These biases can favor certain traits or behaviors over others, leading to non-random patterns of evolution. Constraints and biases can interact in complex ways to ...
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