The chaos law is a principal driver of natural selection: A proposition on the evolution of recently emerged coronaviruses

PLoS One. 2023 Aug 24;18(8):e0290453. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290453. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Here we propose that viruses emerging in the human population undergo an evolution that is conditioned by the rules of chaos. Our data support the notion that the initial growth rate "r" affects the chances of the virus to establish a long-lasting relationship with the new host. Indeed, an emerging virus is able to spread and adapt only when it displays an initial r falling in a range frankly associated with chaotic growth.

MeSH terms

  • Coronavirus Infections*
  • Coronavirus* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Selection, Genetic*

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.