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The Factors of Organic Evolution

Chapter 1: THE FACTORS OF ORGANIC EVOLUTION.
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The essay reviews historical views on the origins of species and evaluates rival mechanisms of biological change, weighing natural selection against the inheritance of functionally produced modifications. It argues that while selection accounts for many adaptations, numerous structural and physiological traits in plants and animals are not satisfactorily explained by selection alone or by direct use and disuse during an individual’s life. Drawing on botanical and zoological examples, the author maintains that changes induced by habit and function are sometimes transmitted across generations, and considers the broader consequences of this claim for mental development, moral tendencies, and the evolution of social institutions.

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Title: The Factors of Organic Evolution

Author: Herbert Spencer

Release date: August 14, 2016 [eBook #52801]
Most recently updated: October 23, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Richard Tonsing, Adrian Mastronardi and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
(This file was produced from images generously made
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FACTORS OF ORGANIC EVOLUTION ***

Transcriber's Note:

The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

THE FACTORS
 
OF
 
ORGANIC EVOLUTION.

BY
HERBERT SPENCER.
REPRINTED, WITH ADDITIONS, FROM
THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,
1, 8, AND 5 BOND STREET.
1887.