Towards a Dynamic Interaction Network of Life to unify and expand the evolutionary theory

BMC Biol. 2018 May 29;16(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s12915-018-0531-6.

Abstract

The classic Darwinian theory and the Synthetic evolutionary theory and their linear models, while invaluable to study the origins and evolution of species, are not primarily designed to model the evolution of organisations, typically that of ecosystems, nor that of processes. How could evolutionary theory better explain the evolution of biological complexity and diversity? Inclusive network-based analyses of dynamic systems could retrace interactions between (related or unrelated) components. This theoretical shift from a Tree of Life to a Dynamic Interaction Network of Life, which is supported by diverse molecular, cellular, microbiological, organismal, ecological and evolutionary studies, would further unify evolutionary biology.

Keywords: Evolutionary biology; Interactions; Theoretical biology; Tree of Life; Web of Life.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biodiversity*
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Humans