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Corrections to chance fluctuations: quantum mind in biological evolution?
1Istituto di Genetica Molecolare / Evolutionary Genetics, CNR, Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia (Italy). damiani@igm.cnr.it
Rivista Di Biologia
|June 10, 2010
Summary
Biological evolution may involve self-organized adaptive processes beyond random mutation, incorporating quantum phenomena and environmental responses. Rethinking neo-Darwinian theory is crucial for understanding life's complex, directed development.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Quantum biology
- Systems biology
Background:
- Neo-Darwinian theory posits evolution via natural selection of random variations, rooted in classical physics.
- Emerging research links metabolism, epigenetics, and nucleic acid editing to self-organized adaptive evolution.
- Organisms as open thermodynamic systems harness energy for internal order and information generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a paradigm shift in evolutionary theory beyond neo-Darwinism.
- To explore the role of quantum mechanics and self-organization in biological evolution.
- To integrate concepts of information processing, consciousness, and directed evolution.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis integrating thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and epigenetics.
- Review of evidence for natural genetic engineering and adaptive responses.
- Exploration of fractal dynamics and long-range correlations in biological systems.
Main Results:
- Suggests biological systems exhibit self-organized adaptive evolution driven by environmental stress.
- Proposes quantum phenomena underpin biological sensing, information processing, and decision-making.
- Highlights the role of directed, mind-action processes in evolution, alongside Darwinian principles.
Conclusions:
- Neo-Darwinian theory requires significant conceptual revision.
- Quantum mechanics and self-organization offer new frameworks for understanding evolutionary creativity.
- Consciousness and directed processes may play a fundamental role in life's development.
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