history of biology

Research highlight: Looking at what Darwin knew about primate relationships

I provide a context for Darwin's ideas about human and primate relationships and update Descent of Man with today's knowledge.

Feb 12, 2021 •

How did English come to have different words for "ape" and "monkey"?

The etymology of our words for living primates gives some insight into how common ideas adjusted to new scientific knowledge.

Jan 6, 2019 •

Stephen Jay Gould and the role of provocation in science

An interview with Richard Lewontin brings up Gould's history making ideas more provocative than they probably deserved.

Mar 30, 2015 •

For Linnaeus, classification followed from the new idea that species were fixed

A recent book by Ronald Amundson discusses the philosophical shift in the way that eighteenth-century naturalists viewed species.

Jun 3, 2007 •

The legend of Henry Ford's kingpins in evolutionary biology

Looking critically at a story used to illustrate the process of natural selection.

Aug 11, 2005 •

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