Developmental Systems Theory

Paul E Griffiths, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Published online: April 2001

DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0003452

Developmental systems theory (DST) is a wholeheartedly epigenetic approach to development and evolution. The developmental system of an organism is the entire matrix of resources that are needed to reproduce the life cycle. The range of developmental resources that are properly described as being inherited, and which are subject to natural selection, is far wider than has traditionally been allowed.

Keywords: development; evolution; genetics; epigenesis; information

 References
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 Further Reading
    Griffiths PE and Gray RD (1994) Developmental systems and evolutionary explanation. Journal of Philosophy XCI: 277–304. Reprinted in: Ruse M and Hull DL (eds) Oxford Readings in Philosophy of Biology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.
    book Oyama S (2000a) The Ontogeny of Information. Durham, North Carolina: Duke University Press.
    book Oyama S (2000b) Evolution's Eye: A Systems View of the Biology–Culture Divide. Durham, North Carolina: Duke University Press.
    Schaffner K (1998) Genes, development and behavior: One process indivisible? Philosophy of Science 65: 209–252.
    book Sterelny K and Griffiths PE (1999) Sex and Death: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Related Sub-Topics:

Philosophy of the Life Sciences | Developmental Concepts | Evolution and Development | Evolution: Theories and Ideas
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Article Title: Developmental Systems Theory
 
How to Cite close
Griffiths, Paul E(Apr 2001) Developmental Systems Theory. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. http://www.els.net [doi: 10.1038/npg.els.0003452]