Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 83 (4): 463-467, 2010
Darwin, and the role of theories in evolutionary thinking
The section “Special Features” is dedicated to share with its readers thematic works
about natural history, ecology and evolution. In this introduction we focus on the role that theories play in the construction of
evolutionary thinking. First, we briefly show the importance of Lamarck’s work in the context of pre-Darwinian theories about organic
evolution. Then, the main components of the Darwinian theoretical core and its postDarwinian extensions are thoroughly discussed.
Finally the essays following this introduction in the present issue are summarized.
Key words:
Darwin, evolutionary
thinking, theories
