Studying Evolution in Action: Foundations for a Transgenerational Comparative Psychology
Abstract
The gene centered framework of the modern evolutionary synthesis serves to constrain the contributions to evolutionary knowledge that can be gained from comparative studies of animal development. Contrary to this position, a case is made that understanding the dynamics of ontogenetic processes across generations can illuminate processes of evolution. Examples are provided that show how alterations of developmental contexts in one generation influence patterns of development in subsequent generations. The conceptual foundations and implications of a transgenerational orientation to studying animal development are discussed. By adopting a transgenerational approach, comparative psychologists can study evolutionary processes in action and thus play a more prominent role in discussions of evolution.