Evolutionary changes in the capacity for organismic autonomy

Area of Science:

• Macroevolutionary studies
• Physiology
• Evolutionary biology

Background:

• A persistent presumption since Darwin suggests organisms evolve increased independence from environmental influences.
• This principle, though often stated, has not been central to mainstream evolutionary theory.
• Physiological regulation is a core element linking physiology and evolutionary research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the role of physiological regulation in major evolutionary transitions.
• To explore the concept of "autonomy" as a measure of organismal independence and flexibility.
• To investigate the relationship between evolving autonomy and environmental adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of major transitions in animal evolution.
• Characterization of changes in physiological regulation (robustness, self-regulation, homeostasis).
• Assessment of associated increases in environmental flexibility (movement, behavior).

Main Results:

• Major evolutionary transitions are linked to enhanced physiological regulation and self-referential functions.
• Organisms exhibit increased "autonomy," defined as enhanced self-regulation and environmental flexibility.
• Evolution results in differential combinations of autonomy and environmental adaptations, termed "relative autonomy."

Conclusions:

• Macroevolution shows a trajectory towards increased organismal autonomy and flexibility.
• Evolutionary processes yield varied combinations of autonomy and adaptation, not a linear trend.
• The concept of relative autonomy provides a framework connecting physiology to macroevolutionary research.