title: [Some problems of regressive evolution].
abstract: The concept of morphophysiological regress as one of the main ways to biological progress, as well as its major factors (the sedentary and parasitic modes of life), are discussed. Some notions of regressive evolution are critically reviewed. Special attention is paid to evolutionary transformations of the nervous system, one of the main integrating factors in the body. All theories of evolutionary progress based on sedentary organisms are demonstrated to be untenable. The entire progressive evolution of Metazoa has been related to mobile life. Since regressive trends are common in the evolution, the phylogenetic tree of Metazoa requires serious revision.
authors.forename: Z S
authors.initials: ZS
authors.lastname: Kaufman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D010802:Phylogeny