Ryuichi Matsuda (July 8, 1920 – June 19, 1986) was a Japanese entomologist and notable advocate of the extended evolutionary synthesis.[1][2]
Ryuichi Matsuda
| |
|---|---|
| Born | July 8, 1920 |
| Died | June 19, 1986 |
| Occupation | Entomologist |
Matsuda obtained his PhD in entomology from Stanford University. He worked at the Biosystematics Research Institute of Canada (1968–1986).[3] He wrote several works on the comparative morphology of insects and is most well known for his controversial book Animal Evolution in Changing Environments (1987).[4][5][6]
He coined the term "pan-environmentalism" for an extended evolutionary synthesis which he saw as a fusion of Darwinism with neo-Lamarckism.[2] He held that heterochrony is a main mechanism for evolutionary change and that novelty in evolution can be generated by genetic assimilation.[2][7] His views were criticized by reviewers for being based on speculation.[7][8] Arthur M. Shapiro noted that "Matsuda himself accepts too much at face value and is prone to wish-fulfilling interpretation."[7] In contrast, John T. Polhemus positively reviewed the book, suggesting that it "should be on the shelf of anyone seriously interested in evolution theory".[9]
Interest in Matsuda's research was revived by Brian K. Hall, Gerd B. Müller and others in the volume Environment, Development, and Evolution: Toward a Synthesis (2004) which was a tribute to his ideas.[3]