Populations and Individuals in Heterokaryotic Fungi: A Multilevel Perspective. Issue 4 (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Booth, Austin
• Is Part Of: Philosophy of science. Volume 81:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 612
• Page End: 632
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Science -- Philosophy; Science; Science -- Philosophy; Philosophie des sciences; Epistemology; Periodicals; 501
• DOI: 10.1086/677953
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1539-767X

Abstract

Abstract : Among mycologists, questions persist about what entities should be treated as the fundamental units of fungal populations. This article articulates a coherent view about populations of heterokaryotic fungi and the individuals that comprise them. Using Godfrey-Smith's minimal concept of a Darwinian population, I argue that entities at two levels of the biological hierarchy satisfy the minimal concept in heterokaryotic fungi: mycelia and nuclei. I provide a preliminary answer to the question of how to understand the relation between these two populations. This article contributes to discussions about the nature of biological individuality, organismality, and evolutionary transitions.