Punctuated equilibria and a general theory of biology
Paleobiology,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 1 - 12
Published: March 24, 2025
Abstract
The
theory
of
punctuated
equilibria,
introduced
in
paleobiology,
postulates
enduring
morphological
stability
species
interrupted
by
rapid
phenotypic
change
at
speciation
events.
It
played
a
pivotal
role
evolutionary
biology,
reshaping
perspectives
and
triggering
conceptual
shift
redefining
as
discrete
entities,
paving
the
way
for
hierarchical
model
organic
world.
This
approach
initially
faced
limited
attention
but
experienced
resurgence
new
millennium.
revived
interest
models,
integrating
genomics,
computational
methodologies,
complex
systems
sciences,
has
provided
more
comprehensive
theoretical
foundation
understanding
biological
evolution.
fueled
empirical
studies
across
various
disciplines,
from
genomics
to
offering
potential
unifying
within
sciences.
paper
posits
efficacy
hierarchy
biology
comprehensive,
framework
Despite
its
generality,
remains
agnostic
specific
mechanisms,
allowing
flexibility
accommodate
diverse
models.
Through
application
analysis,
unveils
causal
processes,
identifies
entities
interactions,
bridges
economic
genealogical
hierarchies.
Acknowledging
refinement
based
on
data,
stands
paradigm,
shaping
interdisciplinary
exploration
inspiring
investigations
disciplines.
Language: Английский
On the multiscale dynamics of punctuated evolution
Trends in Ecology & Evolution,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
39(8), P. 734 - 744
Published: May 31, 2024
For
five
decades,
paleontologists,
paleobiologists,
and
ecologists
have
investigated
patterns
of
punctuated
equilibria
in
biology.
Here,
we
step
outside
those
fields
summarize
recent
advances
the
theory
evidence
for
equilibria,
gathered
from
contemporary
observations
geology,
molecular
biology,
genetics,
anthropology,
sociotechnology.
Taken
aggregate,
these
lead
to
a
more
general
that
refer
as
evolution.
The
quality
datasets
is
beginning
illustrate
mechanics
evolution
way
can
be
modeled
across
vast
range
phenomena,
mass
extinctions
hundreds
millions
years
ago
possible
future
ahead
Anthropocene.
We
expect
study
applicable
beyond
biological
scenarios.
Language: Английский
hespdiv: an R package for spatially constrained, hierarchical and contiguous regionalization in palaeobiogeography
Palaeontology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
67(3)
Published: May 1, 2024
Abstract
The
objective
determination
of
boundaries
bioregions
is
a
nontrivial
problem.
Here
we
present
new
method
family,
HespDiv,
and
an
algorithm
for
its
implementation
in
R
package:
hespdiv.
hespdiv
performs
iterative
hierarchical
nonlinear
spatial
subdivisions
taxic
data
into
topologically
contiguous
geographic
regions.
Bioregions
obtained
this
way
can
be
viewed
as
realistic
causally
important
entities
belonging
to
eco‐genealogical
Bretskyan
hierarchy.
possibilities
the
are
successfully
demonstrated
on
Miocene
mammal
from
United
States,
where
set
was
determined.
works
decision‐tree‐like
manner
by
generating
multiple
split‐lines,
that
each
subdivide
study
area
two
parts
per
iteration
region.
performance
split‐line
measured
using
combination
generalization
comparison
functions
custom
made
or
selected
pre‐set
subdivision
methods.
In
iteration,
best
used
produce
subdivision,
until
no
more
adequate
split‐lines
found.
process
results
hierarchy
distribution
taxonomic
occurrences
space.
Benefits
include
delineation
spatially
clusters,
flexibility,
unique
representations
tree.
package
shown
effective
determining
significant
structures
biota,
so
called
geobiomes,
sufficiently
sampled
time
intervals
flexibility
ease
use
approach
allows
application
whole
range
palaeo‐variables
environmental
proxies.
Language: Английский
Levels of selection and macroevolution in organisms, colonies, and species
Paleobiology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 1 - 9
Published: April 22, 2024
Abstract
The
fitness
of
groups
is
often
considered
to
be
the
average
among
constituent
members.
This
assumption
has
been
useful
for
developing
models
multilevel
selection,
but
its
uncritical
adoption
held
back
our
understanding
how
selection
actually
works
in
nature.
If
group
only
equal
mean
member
fitness,
then
it
a
simple
task
erode
importance
group-level
all
scenarios—species
could
reduced
organismal
as
easily
can.
Because
from
different
levels
can
act
on
single
trait,
body
size,
example,
there
must
way
translate
one
level
another.
allows
calculation
contributions
at
each
level.
high-level
not
function
do
they
interlace?
Here
we
reintroduce
Leigh
Van
Valen’s
argument
inclusion
expansion
component
fitness.
We
show
that
an
integral
part
even
if
does
subscribe
energetic
view
which
Valen
originally
derived
it.
From
hierarchical
perspective,
projection
demographic
next
up;
differential
births
and
deaths
produce
above.
Including
conceptual
tool
kit
helps
allay
concerns
about
ability
identify
using
number
methods
well
allowing
various
forms
seen
manifestations
same
basic
process.
Language: Английский
Reflections on punctuated equilibria
Paleobiology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 1 - 5
Published: May 2, 2024
It
is
a
pleasure
to
be
invited
contribute
the
celebration
of
publication
“punctuated
equilibria”
(“punk
eek”)
50
years
ago—the
canonical
version
I
did
with
Steve
Gould
(Eldredge
and
1972)
at
behest
Tom
Schopf
for
his
visionary
project
inject
more
thought,
interpretation
theory,
into
working
lives
paleontologists.
Language: Английский
The many ways toward punctuated evolution
Palaeontology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
67(5)
Published: Sept. 1, 2024
Abstract
Punctuated
equilibria
is
a
theory
of
evolution
that
suggests
species
go
through
periods
stability
followed
by
sudden
changes
in
phenotype.
This
has
been
debated
for
decades
evolutionary
biology,
but
recent
findings
stasis
and
punctuated
change
systems
such
as
tumour
dynamics,
viral
evolution,
artificial
have
attracted
attention
from
broad
range
researchers.
There
risk
interpreting
phenomenological,
or
even
metaphorical,
standpoint
thus
opening
the
possibility
repeating
similar
debates
occurred
past.
How
to
translate
lessons
models
fossil
record
explain
other
biological
scales
remains
an
open
question.
To
minimize
confusion,
we
recommend
step‐like
pattern
seen
many
be
referred
rather
than
equilibria,
which
generally
linked
with
record.
complex
resulting
interaction
both
external
internal
eco‐evolutionary
feedback.
The
interplay
between
these
drivers
can
help
history
life
whole
spectrum
including
diversification,
cyclic
changes,
stability.
Language: Английский