A systems theory of biological evolution. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corning, Peter A.
• Is Part Of: Bio systems. Volume 214(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Natural selection -- Modern synthesis -- Cooperation -- Teleonomy -- Synergy; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; Biologie -- Périodiques; Évolution -- Périodiques; 570
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104630
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-2647

Abstract

Abstract: Contrary to the formulation in the so-called Modern Synthesis, biological evolution has been primarily a history of living systems rather than of individual genes, and it has always been a contingent dynamic process – an always at-risk "survival enterprise." The hallmarks of life on Earth have been persistence (survival), inheritance (reproduction), and functional change over time (adaptation, evolution, and extinction). In addition, living systems have two other distinctive properties: teleonomy (evolved purposefulness) and cybernetic "control information" (the capacity to control the capacity to do work). This ages-long evolutionary process has been animated by energy inputs/throughputs. Over time, its trajectory has also been shaped by functional synergy (combined, or co-operative effects that could not otherwise be attained) and by Synergistic Selection (the differential survival of synergistic effects/systems). Thus, biological evolution has been a dualistic process – both competitive and cooperative.