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Related Concept Videos

Evolutionary Psychology01:20

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the human psyche...
Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.
Evolution of New Traits in Microbes01:24

Evolution of New Traits in Microbes

Microorganisms evolve rapidly due to their large population sizes and short generation times, often exhibiting measurable changes within days under laboratory conditions. Natural selection acts on standing genetic variation, enabling the retention and amplification of beneficial traits that confer fitness advantages in changing environments.Adaptive Pigment Regulation in RhodobacterIn Rhodobacter, a genus of purple non-sulfur bacteria, light-harvesting pigments such as bacteriochlorophyll and...
What is Evolutionary History?02:35

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among these organisms. Scientists infer organisms’ common ancestry by evaluating shared morphological and genetic characteristics. Together, the fossil...
The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.
Convergent Evolution01:54

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.The structures that arise from convergent evolution are called analogous structures. They are similar in function even if they are dissimilar in structure. Further, structures can be analogous while also...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

A Practical Guide to Phage- and Robotics-Assisted Near-Continuous Evolution
05:08

A Practical Guide to Phage- and Robotics-Assisted Near-Continuous Evolution

Published on: January 12, 2024

Evolution and progress.

M Ruse1

  • 1Michael Ruse is at the Depts of Philosophy and Zoology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 18, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Evolutionary science grapples with the concept of progress, distinguishing between comparative and absolute progress. The ongoing debate highlights persistent questions about why this concept remains central to evolutionary discussions.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Philosophy of science

Background:

  • The concept of progress is frequently discussed in evolutionary biology.
  • Evolutionists often express unease with the idea of progress, yet continually return to it.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the persistent fascination with the concept of progress in evolutionary science.
  • To differentiate between 'comparative progress' and 'absolute progress' within evolutionary discourse.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of the term 'progress' in evolutionary contexts.
  • Review of recent debates surrounding comparative and absolute progress.

Main Results:

  • Distinction made between 'comparative progress' (group competition) and 'absolute progress' (objective scale).
  • Identification of ongoing controversy and debate surrounding these concepts.

Conclusions:

  • The persistent debate over progress in evolution warrants further inquiry into its underlying appeal.
  • Understanding the nuances of comparative versus absolute progress is key to resolving conceptual unease.