The Evolution of Evolution: Reconciling the Problem of Stability |
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Authors: | Andrew M Weiss |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for Evolutionary Science, 555 Broadway, Suite 2G, Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706, USA |
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Abstract: | Evolutionary Science has, at least since the publication of Origin, been less concerned with the continuation of species in stable forms, than with the reconfiguration of forms into a host
of varieties. So influential has this emphasis been that, over the years, “variation” has become a cardinal desideratum, even
taking precedence over the macroevolutionary landscape. This orientation has made it much more difficult to objectively assess
the meaning of non-change patterns such as periods of stasis, which appear to be widespread in most species. Yet, if stasis
is an expectable outcome of evolutionary activity, this raises the possibility that there may be mechanisms and processes
at many causal levels, acting on its behalf, without reference to the impetus toward persistent variation. Researchers have
been reluctant to attribute stasis to a macroevolutionary tendency toward ‘stability’ despite the commonality of stasis in
many species, and notwithstanding the many biological/behavioral processes that seem inclined to produce and maintain conformance,
regulation and consistency. Speciation, paradoxically, is the best evidence for an overriding influence toward stability in
that stability would seem to be a necessary condition prior to the development of isolating mechanisms. An alternative macroevolutionary
model of biological activity is offered consisting of two tendencies, “variety” counterpoised with “stability” both acting
in the service of the persistence of life. |
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