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Against unifying homology concepts: Redirecting the debate
Devin Y Gouvêa1, Ingo Brigandt2
1Department of Philosophy, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
Journal of Morphology
|June 14, 2023
Summary
Homology research benefits from viewing concepts as research tools, not seeking a single definition. This approach clarifies historical and mechanistic causes of resemblance and aids interdisciplinary studies.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Philosophy of science
- Comparative anatomy
Background:
- The concept of homology is multifaceted and lacks a unified definition, despite extensive research.
- Existing efforts often focus on unifying diverse definitions of homology.
- Scientific concepts, including homology, function as tools to achieve specific research objectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an alternative strategy for analyzing homology concepts, focusing on their utility as research tools.
- To illustrate the practical application of this strategy using historical and contemporary case studies.
- To re-evaluate Lankester's contributions to homology and the avian digit homology puzzle.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of homology definitions, emphasizing their functional role in research.
- Historical case study: Reappraisal of E. Ray Lankester's concepts of "homogeny" and "homoplasy".
- Contemporary case study: Examination of avian digit homology and interdisciplinary approaches.
Main Results:
- Lankester's "homogeny" and "homoplasy" address the interaction between mechanistic and historical causes of morphological resemblance.
- Avian digit homology research has progressed through new tools and interdisciplinary cooperation, not conceptual unification.
- The study highlights the dynamic interplay between conceptual frameworks and research tools in homology.
Conclusions:
- Preserving distinct conceptual features of homology that serve specific research goals is more fruitful than seeking unification.
- Understanding the historical context and disciplinary applications of homology concepts is crucial.
- The research underscores the complex relationship between conceptual tools and empirical evidence in advancing homology studies.
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