The Deep Structure of Biology
The Deep Structure of Biology
Is Convergence Sufficiently Ubiquitous to Give a Directional Signal
Twelve renowned scientists and theologians offer penetrating insights into the evolution dialogue in The Deep Structure of Biology. Each considers whether the orthodox evolution model is sufficient and offers their perspective on evolution and biology. Essays include:
- Chance and Necessity in Evolution
- Green Plants as Intelligent Organisms
- Canny Corvoids and Political Primates: A Case for Convergent Evolution in Intelligence
- Social and Cultural Evolution in the Ocean: Convergences and Contrasts with Terrestrial Systems
- Purpose in Nature: On the Possibility of a Theology of Evolution
Editor Simon Conway Morris provides the introduction, an overview of the issues, and an essay on evolution and convergence. Other contributors are Richard Lenski, George McGhee, Karl Niklas, Anthony Trewavas, Nigel Franks, Nicola Clayton, Nathan Emery, HalWhitehead, Robert Foley, Michael Ruse, Celia Deane-Drummond, and John Haught.
The discussion of biology and evolution in these essays broadens the scope of the traditional evolution discussion as it aims to stimulate the development of other research programs. Scholars in the science and religion field will find this book a valuable resource.
Simon Conway Morris is the Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology at the University of Cambridge. Dr. Morris is well known for his work on the early evolution of metazoans (popularly referred to as the “Cambrian Explosion”) and his extensive studies on convergent evolution. He is the author of more than 100 scientific articles and is the author or editor of seven books. These include The Crucible of Creation: The Burgess Shale and the Rise of Animals (Oxford University Press, 1998), Life’s Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe (Cambridge University Press, 2003), and The Runes of Evolution: How the Universe became Self-Aware (Templeton Press, 2015). Dr. Morris has received the Walcott Medal from the National Academy of Sciences, the Charles Schuchert Award from the Paleontological Society, and the Lyell Medal from the Geological Society of London. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1990. He has spoken extensively at the intersection of science and religion, including giving the Gifford Lectures in 2007 at the University of Edinburgh.
Introduction / vii
Simon Conway Morris
1. Chance and Necessity in Evolution / 3
Richard E. Lenski
2. Convergent Evolution: A Periodic Table of Life? / 17
George McGhee
3. Life’s Evolutionary History: Is It Determinate or Indeterminate? / 32
Karl J. Niklas
4. Evolution and Convergence: Some Wider Considerations / 46
Simon Conway Morris
5. Aspects of Plant Intelligence: Convergence and Evolution / 68
Anthony Trewavas
6. Convergent Evolution, Serendipity, and Intelligence for the Simple Minded / 111
Nigel R. Franks
7. Canny Corvids and Political Primates: A Case for Convergent Evolution in Intelligence / 128
Nicola S. Clayton and Nathan J. Emery
8. Social and Cultural Evolution in the Ocean: Convergences and Contrasts with Terrestrial Systems / 143
Hal Whitehead
9. The Illusion of Purpose in Evolution: A Human Evolutionary Perspective / 161
Robert A. Foley
10. Purpose in a Darwinian World / 178
Michael Ruse
11. Plumbing the Depths: A Recovery of Natural Law and Natural Wisdom in the Context of Debates about Evolutionary Purpose / 195
Celia Deane-Drummond
12. Purpose in Nature: On the Possibility of a Theology of Evolution / 218
John F. Haught
Contributors / 233
Index / 237
