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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
[Some problems of regressive evolution]
Izvestiia Akademii Nauk. Seriia Biologicheskaia
|July 31, 2008
Summary
Morphophysiological regress, driven by sedentary or parasitic lifestyles, is critically examined as a factor in biological progress. Progressive evolution in Metazoa is linked to mobility, necessitating a revision of the phylogenetic tree.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental biology
- Zoology
Context:
- The study critically reviews the concept of morphophysiological regress as a driver of biological progress.
- It examines the roles of sedentary and parasitic lifestyles in evolutionary transformations.
- Existing theories on evolutionary progress based on sedentary organisms are evaluated.
Purpose:
- To analyze the concept of morphophysiological regress in the context of biological progress.
- To critically assess notions of regressive evolution.
- To investigate the evolutionary transformations of the nervous system as an integrating factor.
Summary:
- The paper argues that morphophysiological regress, often associated with sedentary or parasitic life, is not a primary driver of biological progress.
- It highlights that progressive evolution in Metazoa is fundamentally linked to a mobile existence.
- The study emphasizes the need for a significant revision of the Metazoan phylogenetic tree due to prevalent regressive trends.
Impact:
- Challenges established theories linking sedentary lifestyles to evolutionary advancement.
- Underscores the crucial role of mobility in the progressive evolution of multicellular organisms (Metazoa).
- Suggests a re-evaluation of evolutionary pathways and relationships within the Metazoa based on a mobile-centric perspective.
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