developmental selection

Compiled with AI assistance and selectively reviewed. Please consult the cited passages; the books remain the authoritative source. About this companion

Editorial synthesis · provisional

Definition

Developmental selection is Edelman’s formation of a diverse primary repertoire of neuronal groups during embryonic and fetal development. RB2 describes variable connectivity shaped by genetic conditions and neural activity, supplying variation for later selection. The proposed subentry distinguishes this developmental repertoire from subsequent experience-dependent synaptic remodeling and does not treat development as a deterministic wiring script or literal replication of neuronal groups.

Explanation

The direct paragraph describes growing neurons forming variable circuits under partly genetic and partly activity-related conditions. Its reference to neurons firing and wiring together supports a role for activity rather than a complete inherited specification. The primary repertoire provides diversity; the passage supplies no quantitative distribution or universal developmental timetable.

Experiential selection is the separate subsequent emphasis on strengthening or weakening synapses through interaction and feedback. These related stages are not collapsed into one generic learning process. Their distinction concerns the roles of repertoire formation and experience-driven modification within Edelman’s theoretical account, rather than a claim that all developmental and experiential effects are cleanly isolated.

RB2 preserves the objection that neural groups do not reproduce like biological lineages. Selection here consequently retains Edelman’s differential-amplification usage and the author’s stated analogy limits. The entry does not infer genetic selection among copied neuronal groups, an experimentally settled total theory or a detached selector supervising brain development.

Scope and attribution

Retain the limited local developmental account and attributed selectional framework; invent no detailed timetable or distribution.

RB2 — The Real Book, Volume II: Becoming Is Being

The primary repertoire is variable developmental organization, distinguished from experiential remodeling.

Occurrence locators: 20, 21, 37; Notes: 21.

Background used in the editorial explanation

Named theories and mechanisms are distinguished from neighboring background, homonyms and the author’s own synthesis. Reproduced AI passages retain their separate voice.