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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Many of the fundamental concepts of biology
lack consensual, precise definitions. Partly, this is due to a
contrast between our discrete language and the continuous
character of nature. Some debates over these concepts are
confounded by the use of the same terms with different
specific meanings, indicating a possible need for an
expanded scientific lexicon. Words have their own histories,
and frequently scientific terms with a vernacular origin
retain associated vestigial meanings. Even terms newly
coined within science have histories and changing meanings,
which can lead to confusion among debaters. Debates
over concepts are further confounded when the same terms
are used in different fields of biology, with distinct (even
conflicting) objectives, and by biologists with different
approaches and perspectives. I illustrate these issues by
considering the debate over the concept of species and the
unit of selection.
Description
Keywords
Definition Language Species concept Unit of selection
Citation
Theory in Biosciences, 129, 159-166