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Confounding explanations. . . .

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2001

R. I. M Dunbar
Affiliation:
Evolutionary Psychology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Nicholson Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GS, Englandrimd@liv.ac.uk www.liv.ac.uk/www/evolpsyc/main.html

Abstract

I argue that, while Finlay et al, are correct to suggest that there are developmental regularities (or constraints) acting on brain component evolution, they are incorrect to infer from this that a developmental explanation necessarily implies that structural changes preceded functional use. Developmental and functional (adaptationist) explanations are complementary, not alternatives.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2001 Cambridge University Press

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