more from Edmund O. Wilson

Single Idea 5314

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / G. Biology / 3. Evolution]

Full Idea

Cultural evolution is Lamarckian and very fast, whereas biological evolution is Darwinian and usually very slow.

Clarification

Lamarckian evolution passes on acquired characteristics

Gist of Idea

Cultural evolution is Lamarckian and fast, biological evolution is Darwinian and slow

Source

Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Wilson,Edward O.: 'On Human Nature' [Penguin 1995], p.78


A Reaction

An intriguing point, given how discredited Lamarckian evolution is. It links with the Dawkins idea of 'memes' - cultural ideas which spread very fast. Is biological evolution suddenly about to become Lamarckian, as culture influences biology?