Beyond the Modern Synthesis: Exploring the Necessity of an Extended Evolutionary Synthesis Introduction
Imagine the world of evolutionary biology as a grand, intricate puzzle. For decades, the Modern Synthesis has served as the cornerstone, explaining the gradual unfolding of life's tapestry through natural selection acting on genes. However, like any puzzle, there are pieces that seem to defy the existing framework. Enter Eugene V. Koonin, a renowned evolutionary biologist, who advocates for an Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) — a broader lens through which to view the dynamic story of life. Limitations of the Modern Synthesis The Modern Synthesis, while groundbreaking in its time, faces limitations when confronted with certain evolutionary phenomena: Tempo of Evolution : While the Modern Synthesis emphasizes gradual change, there is evidence for rapid bursts of evolutionary innovation, often triggered by environmental upheavals or genetic exchange between organisms. Inheritance Beyond Genes : It's becoming increasingly evident that traits can be inherited not o