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Evolution as a self-organized critical phenomenon

K Sneppen1, P Bak, H Flyvbjerg

  • 1Department of Physics, Princeton University, NJ 08544-0708, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|May 23, 1995
PubMed
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This study introduces a mathematical model explaining macroevolution. It shows how interacting species create a self-organized critical state, leading to punctuated equilibrium and mass extinctions as natural ecosystem dynamics.

Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Mathematical Modeling

Background:

  • Biological macroevolutionary patterns are complex and not fully understood.
  • The concept of punctuated equilibrium describes long periods of stasis interrupted by rapid change.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a simple mathematical model of biological macroevolution.
  • To theoretically explain punctuated equilibrium as a self-organized critical phenomenon.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a mathematical model of an ecology with adapting, interacting species.
  • Simulated ecosystem dynamics where species' environments are influenced by other evolving species.

Main Results:

  • The model demonstrates that ecosystems evolve to a self-organized critical state.

Related Experiment Videos

  • This state naturally produces intermittent evolutionary behavior and bursts of change, explaining punctuated equilibrium.
  • Extinctions, including mass extinctions, arise as a consequence of ecosystem dynamics.

    • Conclusions:

    • Punctuated equilibrium is a predictable outcome of self-organized criticality in evolving ecosystems.
    • The model provides a theoretical framework for understanding macroevolutionary patterns observed in the fossil record.