Evolution is driven by natural autoencoding: reframing species, interaction codes, cooperation and sexual reproduction. Issue 1994 (8th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cohen, Irun R.; Marron, Assaf
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 290:Issue 1994(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-08
• Subjects: interaction -- autoencoding -- species interaction code -- sexual reproduction -- survival of the fitted; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8452

Abstract

Abstract : The continuity of life and its evolution, we proposed, emerge from an interactive group process manifested in networks of interaction. We term this process survival of the fitted . Here, we reason that survival of the fitted results from a natural computational process we term natural autoencoding . Natural autoencoding works by retaining repeating biological interactions while non-repeatable interactions disappear. (i) We define a species by its species interaction code, which consists of a compact description of the repeating interactions of species organisms with their external and internal environments. Species interaction codes are descriptions recorded in the biological infrastructure that enables repeating interactions. Encoding and decoding are interwoven. (ii) Evolution proceeds by natural autoencoding of sustained changes in species interaction codes. DNA is only one element in natural autoencoding. (iii) Natural autoencoding accounts for the paradox of genome randomization in sexual reproduction—recombined genomes are analogous to the diversified inputs required for artificial autoencoding. The increase in entropy generated by genome randomization compensates for the decrease in entropy generated by organized life. (iv) Natural autoencoding and artificial autoencoding algorithms manifest defined similarities and differences. Recognition of the importance of fittedness could well serve the future of a humanly livable biosphere.