Reflections on the Predictability of Evolution: Toward a Conceptual Framework - Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes Accéder directement au contenu
Article Dans Une Revue iScience Année : 2020

Reflections on the Predictability of Evolution: Toward a Conceptual Framework

Résumé

Evolution is generally considered to be unpredictable because genetic variations are known to occur randomly. However, remarkable patterns of repeated convergent evolution are observed, for instance, loss of pigments by organisms living in caves. Analogous phenotypes appear in similar environments, sometimes in response to similar constraints. Alongside randomness, a certain evolutionary determinism also exists, for instance, the selection of particular phenotypes subjected to particular environmental constraints in the "evolutionary funnel." We pursue the idea that eco-evolutionary specialization is in some way determinist. The conceptual framework of phenotypic changes entailing specialization presented in this essay explains how evolution can be predicted. We also discuss how the predictability of evolution could be tested using the case of metabolic specialization through gene losses. We also put forward that microorganisms could be key models to test and possibly make headway evolutionary predictions and knowledge about evolution.
Fichier principal
Vignette du fichier
Mas-Reflections on the Predictability of Evolution.pdf (1.35 Mo) Télécharger le fichier
Origine : Fichiers éditeurs autorisés sur une archive ouverte

Dates et versions

hal-03037451 , version 1 (09-06-2021)

Licence

Paternité

Identifiants

Citer

Alix Mas, Yvan Lagadeuc, Philippe Vandenkoornhuyse. Reflections on the Predictability of Evolution: Toward a Conceptual Framework. iScience, 2020, 23 (11), pp.101736. ⟨10.1016/j.isci.2020.101736⟩. ⟨hal-03037451⟩
74 Consultations
43 Téléchargements

Altmetric

Partager

Gmail Facebook X LinkedIn More