Move to the EES

The "Modern Synthesis" is the prevailing theoretical framework in evolutionary biology, combining Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics. It posits that evolution occurs primarily through the gradual accumulation of small, random genetic mutations that are then selected for or against by the environment. However, some scientists argue that the Modern Synthesis is incomplete and fails to fully explain the complexity and diversity of life on Earth. One of the most prominent proponents of this view is the evolutionary biologist Eugene V. Koonin, who advocates for a "Third Way of Evolution." Koonin's Critique of the Modern Synthesis Koonin argues that the Modern Synthesis is limited in its ability to explain several key aspects of evolution, including: The origin of major evolutionary transitions: The Modern Synthesis struggles to explain the emergence of new levels of biological organization, such as the transition from single

“A single human brain has more switches than all the computers and routers and Internet connections on Earth.” - Sanford Research The Modern Synthesis, a cornerstone of 20th-century biology, unified Darwinian natural selection with Mendelian genetics. While successful in explaining some evolutionary phenomena, it has faced criticism for its limitations in addressing complex traits like consciousness. The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) offers a broader framework that incorporates additional factors, potentially providing a more nuanced understanding of consciousness's evolution. Limitations of the Modern Synthesis in Explaining Consciousness The Modern Synthesis primarily focuses on gene-centric evolution, where random mutations provide the raw material for natural selection. This approach struggles to explain the emergence of complex traits like consciousness, which involve intricate interactions between genes, development, and the environment. Some specific limitations incl

Michael Denton's book, "Evolution: Still a Theory in Crisis," published in 2016, is a sequel to his influential 1985 work, "Evolution: A Theory in Crisis." In both books, Denton, a British-Australian biochemist, critiques the neo-Darwinian synthesis, the prevailing evolutionary theory, arguing that it is insufficient to explain the complexity and diversity of life. While Denton doesn't explicitly endorse the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES), his arguments and the evidence he presents align with many of the core tenets of the EES, a growing movement in evolutionary biology that seeks to expand and refine the neo-Darwinian framework. Denton's Key Arguments Denton's primary critique of neo-Darwinism centers on its emphasis on natural selection acting on random genetic mutations as the sole driver of evolutionary change. He argues that this mechanism is inadequate to explain the origin of complex biological structures and the abrupt appe

The extended evolutionary synthesis (EES) significantly challenges the traditional Mendelian framework for understanding and measuring natural selection by broadening the scope of evolutionary processes considered. While Mendelian genetics focuses primarily on gene frequencies and their direct effects on traits, the EES incorporates a wider array of factors, leading to a more nuanced and complex view of evolutionary change. This shift in perspective necessitates a re-evaluation of the methods used to measure natural selection and interpret its outcomes. One of the key departures from the Mendelian framework lies in the EES's emphasis on constructive development . Instead of viewing organisms as passive recipients of genetic information, the EES highlights the active role of developmental processes in shaping evolutionary trajectories. Organisms possess intricate developmental systems that can generate phenotypic variation in response to both internal and ext