Evolution revised, by A.I.

I happened to type “evolution revised” into my Safari browser, and A.I. kicked in. I try to turn off A.I. as much as I can, but this slipped past me. Here’s what it said:

AI Overview

Evolutionary theory is currently being updated from the traditional gene-centric Modern Synthesis to an “Extended Evolutionary Synthesis” (EES). This revised framework incorporates new research, acknowledging that evolution is driven not just by random genetic mutations and natural selection, but also by epigenetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, alongside rapid, often developmental, adaptation.

Key Aspects of Revised Evolutionary Theory

Four Dimensions of Heredity: Beyond genetics, inheritance includes epigenetic (cellular modifications), behavioral (habits and cultural transmission), and symbolic (language) systems.

Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES): Proposes a more comprehensive framework than the Modern Synthesis, integrating developments in evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), epigenetics, and phenotypic plasticity.

Role of Plasticity and Environment: Organisms can modify their environment (niche construction) and transmit those changes. Acquired traits can be passed down via non-genetic mechanisms.

Faster, Recent Evolution: Recent studies, such as the analysis of 16,000 ancient genomes, reveal that natural selection has accelerated in some populations over the last 10,000 years, affecting hundreds of genes.

Regressive Evolution: Recognized as a common process where organisms lose complex traits to adapt (e.g., loss of eyes in cave-dwelling fish) to conserve energy in specific environments.

Key texts reflecting these changes include Evolution in Four Dimensions, Revised Edition by Jablonka and Lamb and The Princeton Guide to Evolution.

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