Synthesis and selection: Wynne-Edwards' challenge to David Lack

2024-12-07 Classification：literature Click()
Author：Borrello, ME

Article Title：Synthesis and selection: Wynne-Edwards' challenge to David Lack

Abstract：
David Lack of Oxford University and V. C. Wynne- Edwards of Aberdeen University were renowned ornithologists with contrasting views of the modern synthesis which deeply influenced their interpretation and explanation of bird behavior. In the 1950' s and 60' s Lack became the chief advocate of neo- Darwinism with respect to avian ecology, while Wynne-Edwards developed his theory of group selection. Lack's position was consistent with the developing focus on individual level adaptation, which was a core concept of the modern synthesis. Alternatively, Wynne- Edwards viewed the emphasis on populations as the most important development provided by the modern synthesis. In this paper, I present the development of these two positions and trace their roots in the literature of the synthesis. Through an analysis of Lack's 1966 critique of Wynne- Edwards I conclude that Wynne- Edwards was, in many ways, justified in his pursuit of group level explanations.

Keywords:  David Lack; group selection; modern synthesis; evolution; VC Wynne-Edwards

DOI: 10.1023/B:HIST.0000004569.71224.65

Source：JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF BIOLOGY

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