Niche Construction and Conceptual Change in Evolutionary Biology

The theoretical status of ‘niche construction’ in evolution is intensely debated. Here we substantiate the reasons for different interpretations. We consider two concepts of niche construction brought to bear on evolutionary theory; one that emphasizes how niche construction contributes to selection and another that emphasizes how it contributes to development and inheritance. We explain the rationale for claims that selective and developmental niche construction motivate conceptual change in evolutionary biology and the logic of those who reject these claims. Our analysis shows how the contention arises from alternative assumptions regarding the causal independence of the processes that generate variation, differential fitness and inheritance. 1. Introduction2. Selective Niche Construction 2.1. Selective niche construction interpreted as a challenge to the received view2.2. Selective niche construction interpreted as compatible with the received view2.3. A fault line in interpretative understanding3. Developmental Niche Construction 3.1. Developmental niche construction interpreted as a challenge to the received view3.2. Developmental niche construction interpreted as compatible with the received view3.3. A fault line in interpretative understanding4. Understanding the Fault Line 4.1. Causation in evolving systems5. Anomalies, Communication Failure, and Conceptual Change Introduction Selective Niche Construction 2.1. Selective niche construction interpreted as a challenge to the received view2.2. Selective niche construction interpreted as compatible with the received view2.3. A fault line in interpretative understanding Selective niche construction interpreted as a challenge to the received view Selective niche construction interpreted as compatible with the received view A fault line in interpretative understanding Developmental Niche Construction 3.1. Developmental niche construction interpreted as a challenge to the received view3.2. Developmental niche construction interpreted as compatible with the received view3.3. A fault line in interpretative understanding Developmental niche construction interpreted as a challenge to the received view Developmental niche construction interpreted as compatible with the received view A fault line in interpretative understanding Understanding the Fault Line 4.1. Causation in evolving systems Causation in evolving systems Anomalies, Communication Failure, and Conceptual Change