Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

201713

The ontogeny-phylogeny nexus in a nutshell

implications for primatology and paleoanthropology

Peter R. Menke

pp. 177-211

Abstract

This chapter aims to review the relevance of ontogenic data in an evolutionary perspective. Phylogenetic investigation through developmental information is one of the most promising avenues to the elucidation of our natural history. First, the problematic integration of biological subdisciplines into the evo-devo synthesis is considered: the homeobox as Pandora's box is discussed and the important role of a comparative morphology program is emphasized. Second, the study of development reveals essential aspects of primate supraordinal relationships and does not support an archontan reality. A special note defines the traditional superorder Archonta as (1) an artifact of the Scala naturae concept, since archontans were supreme public servants of the Greek ancient world. On the other hand, it is (2) a vehicle to explain the existence of flying mammals (Chiroptera) via a gliding intermediate stage (Dermoptera). Third, the impact of neotenic ideas on paleoanthropology is retraced, and current contributions describing the evolution of the human cranial base and bipedalism are presented. Man's domination by neoteny seems to be a burlesque, accurately related as pithecocentrism.

Publication details

Published in:

Henke Winfried, Tattersall Ian (2015) Handbook of Paleoanthropology. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 177-211

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-39979-4_3

Full citation:

Menke Peter R. (2015) „The ontogeny-phylogeny nexus in a nutshell: implications for primatology and paleoanthropology“, In: W. Henke & I. Tattersall (eds.), Handbook of Paleoanthropology, Dordrecht, Springer, 177–211.