The origin and evolution of vertebrate pattern and form--a theory of vertebrate development by preformation based on...

A new hypothesis is presented to explain the origin of vertebrate form and the guiding mechanism by which embryological development occurs. The hypothesis is based on the observation which is demonstrated, that both vertebrate form and embryological development follow a pattern which correlates with the shapes formed by a spiral as it unfolds. The fact that the DNA molecule which carries the genetic information for embryological development, also has a helical structure, has suggested the hypothesis, that vertebrate form and its development are related to the molecular shape of the genetic material. A theoretical vertebrate genetic molecular structure is proposed and it is demonstrated how this structure by "unfolding", as growth occurs, (the mechanism for which is suggested) provides an accurate prepattern and a template for vertebrate embryological development and vertebrate form. Evolutionary implications follow, which question the Neo-Darwinian synthesis. These are firstly, that the vertebrate pattern is not the result of random genetic variations and natural selection, but owes its origin to a spiral pattern, possibly that of DNA. Secondly, that progressive changes occurring in the shape of the genetic molecule provide an explanation and a mechanism for the evolution of species; a concept which is demonstrated.