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Defending Evo-Devo: A Response to Hoekstra and Coyne

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Lindsay R. Craig
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Abstract

The study of evolutionary developmental biology (“evo-devo”) has recently experienced a dramatic surge in popularity among researchers and theorists concerned with evolution. However, some biologists and philosophers remain skeptical of the claims of evo-devo. This paper discusses and responds to the recent high profile criticisms of evo-devo presented by biologists Hopi E. Hoekstra and Jerry A. Coyne. I argue that their objections are unconvincing. Indeed, empirical research supports the main tenets of evo-devo, including the claim that morphological evolution is the result of cis-regulatory change and the distinction that evo-devo draws between morphological and physiological traits.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 76 , Issue 3 , July 2009 , pp. 335 - 344
Copyright
Copyright © The Philosophy of Science Association

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Footnotes

‡

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the guidance of my advisor and friend, Rob Skipper, in the development of this paper. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have such an attentive and supportive mentor. I also want to thank the University of Cincinnati, the Taft Research Center, and the Department of Philosophy for funding my academic pursuits.

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