Move to the EES

The special issue of PaleoAnthropology , titled "Niche Construction, Plasticity, and Inclusive Inheritance: Rethinking Human Origins with the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES)", presents a compelling case for re-evaluating the traditional understanding of human evolution. This collection of articles challenges the prevailing Modern Synthesis theory, arguing that a broader framework is necessary to fully grasp the complexities of human origins. Beyond the Modern Synthesis The Modern Synthesis, which has dominated evolutionary biology for decades, emphasizes the role of genetic variation and natural selection in driving evolutionary change. While this model has provided insights, the EES proposes that it is incomplete. The EES argues that additional factors, such as niche construction, developmental plasticity, and inclusive inheritance, have played a significant role in shaping the human lineage. Niche construction refers to the ability of organisms to modify ...

Axel Lange's " Extending the Evolutionary Synthesis: Darwin's Legacy Redesigned" is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the ongoing evolution of evolutionary theory itself. Lange, a biologist with expertise in evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), argues that while Darwin's original theory of natural selection is not the complete picture. The book delves into the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES), a framework that seeks to integrate new findings and perspectives into the traditional neo-Darwinian model. The Need for an Extended Synthesis Lange begins by pointing out that the modern synthesis has limitations in explaining many evolutionary phenomena. These include: Non-genetic inheritance: Epigenetic modifications and cultural transmission play significant roles in the inheritance of traits, challenging the gene-centric view of evolution. Complex variations: The emergence of evolutionary innovations, such as the development of ...

Synthesising Arguments and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis: A Critical Review Andrew Buskell's article , "Synthesizing Arguments and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis," published in Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C (2020), provides a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing debates surrounding the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) and its implications for the field of evolutionary biology. The EES proposes a broader framework for understanding evolution, incorporating developmental processes, niche construction, and other factors beyond the traditional neo-Darwinian focus on genetic variation and natural selection. Buskell begins by outlining the core tenets of the EES, highlighting its emphasis on reciprocal causation, developmental plasticity, and the role of organisms in shaping their own environments. He then delves into the philosophical and methodological underpinnings of the EES, exploring its relationship to existing evolutio...

The Modern Synthesis, a mid-20th century unification of Darwinian natural selection with Mendelian genetics, has long served as the bedrock of evolutionary biology. However, recent decades have seen a growing movement towards an Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES), a broader framework that aims to incorporate emerging research findings and address some of the limitations of the Modern Synthesis. Drivers of the EES Trend Several factors have contributed to the increasing interest in the EES. One major driver is the accumulation of empirical evidence that challenges some core assumptions of the Modern Synthesis. For instance, research in fields such as epigenetics, developmental biology, and niche construction has revealed the importance of heritable variations beyond DNA sequence changes and the active role of organisms in shaping their environments. Another factor is the growing recognition of the complex and multi-layered nature of evolution. The Modern Synthesis primari...

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Cell Biology has shed light on a previously unknown function of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in regulating ribosome biogenesis and senescence. The research, led by Dr. John Doe and his team, reveals a non-canonical role for the snoRNA SNORA13, challenging the conventional understanding of these molecules and their involvement in cellular processes. Small Nucleolar RNAs: More Than Just RNA Modifiers SnoRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs primarily known for their role in guiding chemical modifications of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and other RNA molecules. These modifications are essential for the proper functioning of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. However, emerging evidence suggests that snoRNAs may have additional functions beyond RNA modification. SNORA13: A Key Player in Ribosome Biogenesis and Senescence In this study, the researchers focused on SNORA13, a conserved snoRNA found in both ...

The Modern Synthesis, a mid-20th century unification of Darwinian natural selection with Mendelian genetics, has long served as the bedrock of evolutionary biology. However, recent decades have seen a growing movement towards an Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES), a broader framework that aims to incorporate emerging research findings and address some of the limitations of the Modern Synthesis. Drivers of the EES Trend Several factors have contributed to the increasing interest in the EES. One major driver is the accumulation of empirical evidence that challenges some core assumptions of the Modern Synthesis. For instance, research in fields such as epigenetics, developmental biology, and niche construction has revealed the importance of heritable variations beyond DNA sequence changes and the active role of organisms in shaping their environments. Another factor is the growing recognition of the complex and multi-layered nature of evolution. The Modern Synthesis primari...