Behavior, body types and the irreversibility of evolution
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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Experimental Manipulation of Body Size to Estimate Morphological Scaling Relationships in Drosophila
Published on: October 1, 2011
1Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
Abstract:
A functional approach to evolutionary morphology is emphasized in this paper. This perspective differs from the current 'structuralist' trend, which emphasizes the constraining role of developmental paths. In addition, the present approach agrees with the adaptationist paradigm. It is further argued that three types of phenomena are better understood in this light: i. The existence of evolutionary trends, ii. The maintenance of certain structural features within a given taxon, and iii. The irreversibility of evolution.
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