Theoretical principles for biology: Variation

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Theoretical Biology
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• Darwin's theory of random variation is central to understanding life's diversity.
• Biological objects (organisms) are unique and undergo qualitative changes.
• Existing models often treat biological objects as generic, similar to physical systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elevate biological variation to a fundamental theoretical principle in biology.
• To propose a new framework for understanding biological objects and their evolution.
• To explore the implications of this principle for randomness, historicity, and contextuality.

Main Methods:

• Elaboration on Darwin's concept of random variation.
• Formalizing biological variation through changes in symmetry.
• Contrasting biological object evolution with physical object evolution in state spaces.

Main Results:

• Biological objects are specific, qualitatively distinct, and undergo unpredictable changes.
• Biological variation, framed by symmetry changes, implies randomness, historicity, and contextuality.
• The principle of variation is articulated with the principles of default state and organization.

Conclusions:

• Biological variation should be recognized as a fundamental principle, distinct from physical laws.
• This principle provides a new lens for viewing organismal specificity and evolutionary dynamics.
• Understanding biological variation is key to comprehending life's inherent unpredictability and historical nature.