Developmental constraints and patterns: some pertinent distinctions

This paper remedies some of the conceptual ambiguity in the union of evolution and development by explicating two key concepts in this disciplinary integration: that of a developmental constraint on evolution and of a developmental pattern or form. The phrases “developmental pattern” and “developmental constraint” often mean quite different things to different people in different theoretical contexts. It is intended that this paper will help clarify thinking about evolution and development by distinguishing between historical/ahistorical, local/universal and passive/active senses of these terms and by suggesting some expressions to help stabilize and clarify usage.