Move to the EES

The recently published paper , "A hypothesis of teleological evolution, via endogenous acetylcholine, nitric oxide, and calmodulin pathways", presents a fascinating and controversial proposition. It suggests a mechanism for organisms to influence their own evolution through behavioral choices mediated by specific molecules. This analysis delves deep into the core ideas, strengths, and limitations of the hypothesis. Unveiling the Proposed Pathway: From Decision to Epigenetic Mark The central tenet of the hypothesis hinges on a three-molecule cascade: Acetylcholine (ACh): This neurotransmitter plays a critical role in learning, memory, and movement. The paper proposes that behavioral decisions trigger ACh signaling, setting the stage for the following steps. Nitric Oxide (NO): This molecule acts as a multifaceted regulator, influencing blood flow, metabolism, and the immune system. The hypothesis suggests that ACh activity induces the production of NO....

The majestic tapestry of life on Earth, woven over billions of years, remains a source of endless fascination and scientific inquiry. At its core lies the enigma of evolution: how did single-celled organisms morph into the dazzling biodiversity we witness today? While neo-Darwinism, with its focus on gradual mutation and natural selection, has dominated evolutionary theory, alternative perspectives are emerging, offering fresh insights into this grand narrative. One such intriguing proposition is the " preassembly " model, outlined in the article "An Alternative Molecular View of Evolution: How DNA was Altered over Geological Time." This article presents a thought-provoking challenge to the " gradualist " perspective of traditional evolutionary theory. Instead of envisioning evolution as a slow, step-by-step ascent, the preassembly model proposes a revolutionary twist: the building blocks of complex traits pre-existed within genomes for vast...

The tapestry of life on Earth, with its astonishing diversity, is a testament to the power of evolution. While Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, emphasizing gradual change over time, remains a cornerstone of biology, our understanding of evolution has broadened. The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) incorporates additional mechanisms recognizing the influence of developmental plasticity, non-genetic inheritance, and epigenetics . This essay delves into the core thoughts of evolution, with a specific focus on the saltational model, a concept that challenges the traditional gradualist perspective of neo-Darwinism. Core Principles of Evolution Evolution revolves around the central idea of populations changing over generations. This change is driven by several key processes: Variation: Individuals within a population exhibit inherent differences in traits, often due to genetic mutations. These variations provide the raw material for evolution. Heritabilit...