Evolutionary theory is experiencing a period of flux, with a potential revolution on the horizon. The modern synthesis, or neo-Darwinism, which has dominated evolutionary thought for decades, is being challenged by a new wave of scientists. They argue that the current model, which posits that small genetic mutations filtered by natural selection lead to evolutionary change, is inadequate. This theory, they say, fails to account for the rapid rates of evolution observed in nature and the complexity of biological systems.
Instead, these scientists propose that evolutionary change is often much more abrupt, driven by factors such as epigenetics, gene regulation, and developmental processes. This perspective, known as the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES), suggests that organisms can shape their own development and evolution in response to environmental pressures. It also posits that these changes can be passed down to subsequent generations, a concept known as ‘soft inheritance’.
Critics of the EES argue that it is not a radical departure from neo-Darwinism, but rather an expansion of it. They contend that the EES’s concepts are already incorporated into modern evolutionary theory. However, proponents of the EES maintain that it represents a significant shift in thinking, one that could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of evolution. The debate continues, with the future of evolutionary theory hanging in the balance.
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