The pattern of increasing diversity over time does not necessarily always hold true for the palontological record, either, which makes it worth taking a brief look at the evolution of evolution itself. As many who study fossils have come to acknowledge recently, geological data evidence more fundamental and more widespread variation in basic life forms earlier in history than later. This stands in marked contrast to the way evolution is most often conceived today. In that light, exporting this model to other fields seems foolhardy.

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