Since Darwin, individuals and more recently genes have been the focus of evolutionary
thinking. The idea that selection operates on non-reproducing, higher-level systems
including ecosystems or societies has met with scepticism. But research emphasising that
natural selection can be based solely on differential persistence invites ...
Since Darwin, individuals and more recently genes have been the focus of evolutionary
thinking. The idea that selection operates on non-reproducing, higher-level systems
including ecosystems or societies has met with scepticism. But research emphasising that
natural selection can be based solely on differential persistence invites reconsideration of
their evolution. Self-perpetuating feedback cycles involving biotic as well as abiotic
components are critical to determining persistence. Evolution of autocatalytic networks of
molecules is well studied, but the principles hold for any ‘self-perpetuating’ system.
Ecosystem examples include coral reefs, rainforests and savannahs. Societal examples
include agricultural systems, dominant belief systems and economies. Persistence-based
selection of feedbacks can help us understand how ecological and societal systems survive
or fail in a changing world.
