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3 - What Evolves?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 June 2023

Raymond Noble
Affiliation:
University College London
Denis Noble
Affiliation:
University of Oxford
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Summary

Standard evolutionary theory represents genes as the target of evolution. But organisms may functionally develop without alterations in their DNA, and they may also buffer changes in the DNA to retain function. It is organisms that are the agents in the process of evolution. Outside a living system, DNA is inactive, dead. Furthermore, many significant transitions in evolution have not depended on new DNA mutations. They arose from the fusion or hybridisation of organisms with existing but different DNA. All the molecular processes in a living system are constrained by its purpose. Viewed this way, genes are the most constrained elements in organisms. Evolution of different species has occurred through extraordinarily creative and varied processes that include cooperation and fusion of existing species and the exchange of DNA and organelles. It is much more like nature using preformed tried and tested functionality than through slow gradual mutation. Evolution can occur in leaps and bounds.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • What Evolves?
  • Raymond Noble, University College London, Denis Noble, University of Oxford
  • Book: Understanding Living Systems
  • Online publication: 22 June 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009277396.005
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  • What Evolves?
  • Raymond Noble, University College London, Denis Noble, University of Oxford
  • Book: Understanding Living Systems
  • Online publication: 22 June 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009277396.005
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • What Evolves?
  • Raymond Noble, University College London, Denis Noble, University of Oxford
  • Book: Understanding Living Systems
  • Online publication: 22 June 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009277396.005
Available formats
×