Situating physiology within evolutionary theory.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Physiology
• Philosophy of science

Background:

• Physiology, the study of life's functions, has historically been separate from evolutionary research.
• This separation stems from physiology's focus on present and future biological states versus evolutionary theory's focus on natural history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the traditional divisions between physiology and evolutionary science.
• To situate physiology within the historical context of evolutionary sciences.
• To explore the relevance of physiology to contemporary evolutionary debates, including the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of scientific disciplines.
• Conceptual re-evaluation of the relationship between physiology and evolutionary theory.
• Literature review of evolutionary synthesis debates.

Main Results:

• Re-evaluation suggests physiology is integral to evolutionary sciences.
• Physiology's inclusion addresses needs for a 'Third Way of Evolution'.
• Evolutionary physiology offers insights into function, causation, teleonomy, agency, and cognition.

Conclusions:

• Integrating physiology into evolutionary research is crucial.
• Evolutionary physiology enhances understanding of biological complexity and evolution.
• This integration supports a more comprehensive view of evolutionary processes.