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...

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...