Skip to main content
Log in

Theoretical discussion on some functional-morphological terms and some general reflexions on explanations in biology

  • Published:
Acta Biotheoretica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In his article ‘Forme et Fonction’ Barge wrote in 1936 that living matter cannot be totally understood in terms of causality. In this paper we argue on the contrary that this is in principle possible.

In order to develop our arguments, we discuss some basic and derived concepts used in morphology and functional anatomy. We also formulate comments on the so-called formal, functional and final elucidations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature cited

  • Alexander, R. (1967). Functional design in fishes. - London, Hutchinson University Library, 160 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barge, J. (1936). Forme et function. - Folia Biotheoretica, 13 (1), p. 13–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bock, W. & G. von Wahlert (1965). Adaptation and the form-function complex. - Evolution, 19 (3), p. 269–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Böker, H. (1936). Form und Funktion im Lichte der vergleichenden biologischen Anatomie. - Folia Biotheoretica, 13 (1), p. 27–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dullemeijer, P. (1958). The mutual structural influence of the elements in a pattern. - Arch. néerl. zool., 13, suppl. 1, p. 74–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dullemeijer, P. (1964). De harmonic der delen. - Leiden, Universitaire Pers, 24 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dullemeijer, P. (1972). Explanation in morphology. - Acta Biotheoretica, 21 (34), p. 260–273.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dullemeijer, P. (1974). Concepts and approaches in animal morphology. - London, Van Gorcum, 260 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ewig, A. (1961). The fundamental questions of philosophy. - London, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 260 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gans, C. (1969). Functional components versus mechanical units in descriptive morphology. - J. Morph., 128 (3), p. 365–368.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, T. (1967). Process and pattern in evolution. - New York, Macmillan, 118 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeuken, M. (1958–1960). Function in biology. - Acta Biotheoretica, 13 (1), p. 29–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeuken, M. (1968). A note on models and explanation in biology. - Acta Biotheoretica, 8, p. 283–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kenemy, J. (1959). A philosopher looks at science. - Princeton, Van Nostrand, 273 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayr, E. (1968). Cause and effect in biology. In: C.H. Waddington, ed., Towards a theoretical biology. I. Prolegomena. - Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press, 234 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rensch, B. (1971). Biophilosophy. - New York, Columbia Press, 377 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resnick, R. (1968). Introduction to special relativity. - London, Wiley, 226 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sommerhoff, G. (1950). Analytical biology. - London, Oxford University Press, 208 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Klaauw, C. (1941). Inleiding. In: J. Ihle, ed., Leerboek der vergelijkende ontleedkunde van de vertebraten. - Utrecht, Oosthoek's Uitgeversmaatschappij, 2e druk, p. 1–14.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Verraes, W. Theoretical discussion on some functional-morphological terms and some general reflexions on explanations in biology. Acta Biotheor 30, 255–273 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00051770

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00051770

Keywords

Navigation