From regeneration to the evolution of development and philosophy: the work of professor Galina Korotkova (1924–2009), on the 100th anniversary of her birth

Evolutionary and developmental biology are among the most dynamically developing areas of modern biology. Both have a long and turbulent history, especially in Russia (USSR). However, any science develops thanks to the breakthrough research of individual scientists and scientific teams. In this paper, we briefly analyzed the main theoretical works of Leningrad State University professor G. P. Korotkova (1924–2009), who made a significant contribution to general biology at the end of the twentieth century. G. P. Korotkova is known for her pioneering work in the field of regeneration of invertebrate animals and, first of all, sponges, evolutionary and philosophical aspects of biology. In particular, her contribution to the theoretical aspects of regenerative biology, to the development of philosophical aspects of the problems of wholenessis considered. The principles of her original hypothesis of the origin and phase evolution of ontogenesis are briefly outlined, as well as her ideas regarding the theoretical aspects of the biology and organization of sponges (Porifera).