Discussed are the ontogenetic and evolutionary implications of Dr. Gottlieb's perinatal research with ducklings. His evolutionary theory which proposes that behavior is the primary engine driving evolution is reviewed as is his experimental examination of behavioral neophenotypes. The methodology and findings from Gottlieb (1991/2007) are…

Gottlieb's (1991/2007) study on social malleability of ducking response to maternal calls is perhaps a paradigmatic example of research within the transactional approach to behavioral development--an approach which has fundamental links with the ecological approach to perception-action (Gibson, 1979). This commentary fleshes out these links…