Historical constraints shape the course of evolution from "summary" of The Structure of Evolutionary Theory by Stephen Jay Gould
The course of evolution is not a straight path, but rather a winding journey shaped by historical constraints that influence the direction in which species evolve. These constraints can stem from a variety of factors, such as the genetic makeup of a species, environmental conditions, or even chance events that occur throughout history. In many cases, these constraints can act as barriers that limit the possible outcomes of evolution, steering species down particular paths based on their unique circumstances. One example of historical constraints shaping evolution can be seen in the concept of "developmental constraints," which refers to limitations imposed by the developmental processes of an organism. These constraints can restrict the range of possible evolutionary changes that a species can undergo, making certain outcomes more likely than others. For instance, the structure of an organism's body plan may constrain its ability to evolve certain features, leading to the repetition of similar traits across diff...
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