Nomogenesis

Nomogenesis is a theory in biology that proposes the idea of evolution as a process that follows a predetermined path due to internal mechanisms or "laws of form". The term "Nomogenesis" was coined by Russian biologist Leo Berg, and it stands in contrast to Orthogenesis and Darwinism, which propose different mechanisms for evolutionary change.

History

The concept of Nomogenesis was first introduced by Leo Berg in his 1922 book, "Nomogenesis or Evolution Determined by Law". Berg was critical of Darwin's theory of natural selection, arguing instead that evolution follows a predetermined path dictated by internal laws of form. This idea was influenced by earlier work from German biologist Ernst Haeckel, who also proposed that biological forms follow a predetermined path of development.

Theory

Nomogenesis posits that the course of evolution is largely determined by internal factors, specifically the "laws of form" that govern the development of biological organisms. According to this theory, these laws of form dictate the possible paths of evolution, limiting the range of possible forms and guiding the process towards certain outcomes.

This stands in contrast to Darwin's theory of natural selection, which proposes that evolution is driven by external factors, such as environmental pressures and competition for resources. Nomogenesis also differs from Orthogenesis, which suggests that evolution follows a straight and unchanging path.

Criticism

Nomogenesis has been criticized for its lack of empirical evidence and its reliance on predetermined paths of evolution. Critics argue that the theory does not adequately explain the diversity and complexity of life on Earth, and that it fails to account for the role of random genetic mutations in the evolutionary process.

Despite these criticisms, Nomogenesis has had a significant influence on the field of biology, particularly in the area of developmental biology. It has also sparked debate about the mechanisms of evolution and the role of internal versus external factors in shaping biological forms.

See also

• Evolution
• Natural selection
• Orthogenesis
• Developmental biology