Evolutionary features in a minimal physical system: Diversity, selection, growth, inheritance, and adaptation

Area of Science:

• Origin of Life studies
• Theoretical Biology
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Biological evolution is complex, often requiring specific mechanisms like metabolism and replication.
• Understanding the minimal physical requirements for life-like properties is a key scientific challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simplified physical model that exhibits core features of biological evolution.
• To explore if life-like dynamics can emerge from generic physical principles without pre-defined biological machinery.

Main Methods:

• Development of a physical model based on thermally driven attachment and detachment of elementary building blocks.
• Analysis of the model's dynamics to identify emergent properties such as directionality, selection, and inheritance.

Main Results:

• The model successfully recapitulates key evolutionary features: directionality, selection, spatial expansion, inheritance, and adaptation.
• Demonstrates digital information storage and transmission without template replication or large molecule assembly.
• Exhibits growth and selection without autocatalysis or reproduction.

Conclusions:

• Life-like properties can emerge from simple physical interactions, challenging conventional views on the requirements for life.
• The model provides a framework for understanding the physical basis of evolution and adaptation.
• The generic nature of the model suggests broad applicability and potential for experimental validation.