Behavioural development and adaptation: an assimilation of some of Waddington's ideas?

The paper discusses how ontogeny may contribute to the evolutionary processes dependent upon natural selection, as well as some of the answers that have been given to this essential question. The problem is addressed in relation to "instinctive" behaviour (maternal care) and to its evolutionary modification. The paper more particularly presents Waddington's contribution and the usefulness of his concept of "genetic assimilation". The conditions under which a specific adaptation might have evolved in the course of such a natural selective process are discussed. Finally, the constant reference to an epigenetic conception of phenotype (behaviour included) appears to be the Waddington's main contribution to evolutionary biology (ethology included).