Darwin established an evolutionary link between birdsong and human language when trying to counteract the apparent exceptionality of the latter, and recent molecular findings have confirmed that it might be an example of true homology. This essay reviews this aspect of Darwin's thought and comments its significance within the context of current evolutionary developmental biology. It nevertheless contends that the corroboration of this homology does require neither the existence of a gradual path of evolution between both abilities or the guidance by the mechanisms of sexual or natural selection.
机构:
Michigan State Univ, Lyman Briggs Coll, E Lansing, MI 48825 USA
Michigan State Univ, Dept Hist, E Lansing, MI 48825 USAMichigan State Univ, Lyman Briggs Coll, E Lansing, MI 48825 USA
机构:
Univ Nacl San Martin, CONICET, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina
Univ Nacl San Martin, Escuela Ciencia & Tecnol, Buenos Aires, DF, ArgentinaUAM Cantoblanco, CSIC, Ctr Biol Mol Severo Ochoa, Madrid 28049, Spain