Assumptions Inhibiting Progress in Comparative Biology

This book is a thought-provoking assessment of assumptions inhibiting progress in comparative biology. The volume is inspired by a list generated years earlier by Donn Rosen, one of the most influential, innovative and productive comparative biologists of the latter 20^th century. His list has assumed almost legendary status among comparative evolutionary biologists. Surprisingly many of the obstructing assumptions implicated by Rosen remain relevant today. Any comparative biologist hoping to avoid such assumptions in their own research will benefit from this introspective volume.

The authors propose to edit a thought-provoking assessment of widely accepted assumptions impeding progress in comparative biology. The volume will be inspired (but not strictly based on) by a symposium to be held at the annual JMIH. The basis of the book will be a list of these impeding assumptions generated 30 years ago, which has assumed almost legendary status among comparative evolutionary biologists. A perusal of the list reveals a set of assumptions with continued relevance. The chapters will not necessarily be data driven. The contents of the book should be relevant to any comparative biologist and the contents should be provocative for any biologist.