Information in evolution

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to demonstrate that the flow of information really is an integral part of both development and natural selection. I argue that it is neither loose metaphor nor sloppy science to talk of resources such as genes coding for traits of individuals and I propose a new form of analysis which will make it possible to determine the informational relevance of particular developmental and evolutionary resources. I argue speculatively that it is likely that such an analysis will show the genome to be privileged in both developmental and evolutionary explanations. However, if privileged, it will be so on the basis of the importance and the amount of information that it conveys. It will not be privileged in all such explanations. There are undoubtedly true environmental traits and a recognition of this fact should enhance our picture of both development and natural selection.