Non-genetic inheritance: Evolution above the organismal level.

Non-genetic inheritance: Evolution above the organismal level.
Biosystems. 2020 Dec 11;:104325
Authors: Sukhoverkhov AV, Gontier N
Abstract
The article proposes to further develop the ideas of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis by including into evolutionary research an analysis of phenomena that occur above the organismal level. We demonstrate that the current Extended Synthesis is focused more on individual traits (genetically or non-genetically inherited) and less on community system traits (synergetic/organizational traits) that characterize transgenerational biological, ecological, social, and cultural systems. In this regard, we will consider various communities that are made up of interacting populations that occupy the same place in time and space, and for which the individual members can belong as the same or different species. Examples of communities include biofilms, ant colonies, symbiotic associations resulting in holobiont formation, and human societies. The proposed model of evolution at the level of communities revises classic theorizing on the major transitions in evolution by analyzing the interplay between community/social traits and individual traits, and how this brings forth ideas of top-down regulations of bottom-up evolutionary processes (collaboration of downward and upward causation). The work demonstrates that such interplay also includes reticulate interactions and reticulate causation. In this regard, we...

Source: Biosystems - December 11, 2020 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Sukhoverkhov AV, Gontier N Tags: Biosystems Source Type: research