Move to the EES

The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) is challenging the traditional neo-Darwinian framework of evolution. This expansion incorporates various factors that were are not in the Modern Synthesis, such as developmental plasticity , niche construction , and epigenetic inheritance . Evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) has emerged as a critical contributor to this new synthesis, providing crucial insights into the mechanisms and processes that shape evolutionary change. This article delves into the key contributions of evo-devo to the EES, highlighting how it has revolutionized our understanding of evolution. Developmental Plasticity and Evolvability One of the most significant contributions of evo-devo to the EES lies in its emphasis on developmental plasticity. This concept refers to the ability of an organism's developmental trajectory to be influenced by its environment . Evo-devo research has demonstrated that organisms can exhibit remarkable flexibility...

The concept of biological individuality has long been a cornerstone of evolutionary theory. It is the biological individual, the organism, that is the target of natural selection, the unit of evolution. However, recent advancements in evolutionary biology, particularly those associated with the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES), have challenged this traditional view. The EES proposes that evolutionary processes extend beyond the gene-centric view of the Modern Synthesis and incorporates factors such as developmental plasticity, niche construction, and epigenetic inheritance. This has led to a re-evaluation of what constitutes a biological individual, raising profound philosophical questions. The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis and the Organism-Centered View The EES, in many ways, appears to reinforce an organism-centered view of evolution. It emphasizes the role of the organism in shaping its own evolutionary trajectory through interactions with its environment, develo...

In their journal article , "Creating a 'Gestalt Shift' in Evolutionary Science: Roles for Metaphor in the Conceptual Landscape of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES)," L. Nuño de la Rosa and Eve Jablanka explore the pivotal role of metaphors in reshaping evolutionary science. They argue that the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES), a new framework challenging traditional neo-Darwinian views, requires a metaphorical approach to facilitate a fundamental shift in understanding. The Power of Metaphors Metaphors are more than just literary devices; they are cognitive tools that allow us to understand complex concepts by associating them with more familiar ideas. In the context of the EES, metaphors can bridge the gap between neo-Darwinian and the emerging ideas that challenge it. By reframing scientific discourse, metaphors have the power to create a 'gestalt shift,' a sudden and profound change in perception. The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis...