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Entropy, irreversibility and evolution

S Berry1

  • 1Max-Volmer-Institut für Biophysikalische und Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität, Berlin, Germany.

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|July 12, 1995
PubMed
Summary
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The Second Law of Thermodynamics does not directly indicate the direction of evolution. Evolutionary irreversibility is not a consequence of thermodynamic irreversibility, despite common misconceptions.

Area of Science:

  • Thermodynamics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Physical Chemistry

Background:

  • The Second Law of Thermodynamics, concerning entropy, is often invoked to explain the directionality of natural processes.
  • Its application to complex systems like biological evolution is frequently debated and sometimes misconstrued.
  • Understanding the distinction between thermodynamic entropy and other entropy concepts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the Second Law of Thermodynamics as a predictor of evolutionary direction.
  • To clarify the role and correct application of thermodynamic potentials in understanding natural processes.
  • To address common misconceptions linking evolutionary irreversibility to thermodynamic irreversibility.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and conceptual analysis of thermodynamic principles.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Examination of non-thermodynamic entropy concepts.
  • Analysis of the relationship between thermodynamic entropy and evolutionary events like speciation.

    • Main Results:

    • There is no direct correlation between changes in thermodynamic entropy and evolutionary events such as speciation.
    • The irreversibility observed in evolution is not a direct result of thermodynamic irreversibility.
    • Misapplication of thermodynamic entropy concepts can lead to erroneous conclusions about evolutionary processes.

    Conclusions:

    • The Second Law of Thermodynamics is not a direct indicator for the direction of biological evolution.
    • Correct application of thermodynamic potentials is essential for accurate process understanding.
    • Evolutionary irreversibility stems from factors other than thermodynamic irreversibility.