Studies in the Theory of Descent, Volume II

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the concepts of biological development, focusing particularly on the independence and variability of the different stages of metamorphosis in insects. Weismann explores the relationship between larva and imago, or the adult stage, presenting various cases that demonstrate how these stages can exhibit independent variations despite being part of the same organism. At the start of the volume, Weismann introduces the idea that the physical structure of the larva and its corresponding imago can vary independently of each other. He discusses how these variations can manifest differently across species and stages of development, addressing questions about the influences that cause such differences—whether they arise from inherent biological factors or external environmental conditions. Through examples from Lepidoptera, he argues that changes in one developmental stage do not necessarily affect the others, setting the foundation for a deeper investigation into the nature of organismal development and the mechanics of evolutionary change. This opening establishes a framework for understanding variability and adaptation in the context of evolutionary theory, aiming to link morphological changes with environmental interactions.