Developmental constraints influence evolutionary outcomes from "summary" of The Structure of Evolutionary Theory by Stephen Jay Gould
Developmental constraints refer to limitations imposed by the structure, function, or development of an organism that can influence the course of evolution. These constraints can arise from a variety of factors, such as genetic, developmental, or ecological processes. Developmental constraints play a crucial role in shaping the evolutionary outcomes of a species, as they can restrict the range of possible variations that can occur within a population. For example, certain developmental pathways may be highly conserved across species, leading to the retention of certain traits or characteristics despite changes in the environment or selective pressures. This can result in the persistence of traits that may not be advantageous in the current context but are maintained due to developmental constraints. Moreover, dev...
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