Modern Synthesis Review

In his 2021 journal article , "Making the Umwelt Bubble of the Modern Synthesis Burst," published in Biosemiotics , Morten Tønnessen challenges the dominant paradigm in evolutionary biology, known as the Modern Synthesis . This paradigm, established in the mid-20th century, primarily focuses on genetic mutation and natural selection as the driving forces of evolution. Tønnessen, however, argues for a broader perspective that incorporates the concept of Umwelt , a term coined by Jakob von Uexküll, a Baltic German biologist who pioneered the field of biosemiotics. The Modern Synthesis: A Limited Viewpoint The Modern Synthesis has been criticized for its reductionist approach. It tends to view organisms as mere vehicles for genes, overlooking the complex interactions between organisms and their environments. This narrow focus neglects the role of semiosis , the process of interpreting signs and making meaning, which is fundamental to how organisms perceive and inter...

In " Could the greatest illusion of the Modern Synthesis be practical ?", M. Polo Camacho delves into the complexities and contradictions inherent in the Modern Synthesis, the dominant paradigm of evolutionary biology. Camacho's central thesis revolves around the idea that the Modern Synthesis, while fundamentally flawed, has nevertheless has had some applications. This paradox raises important questions about the nature of scientific theories, their relationship to reality, and their utility in guiding research and practice. Camacho begins by outlining the core tenets of the Modern Synthesis, highlighting its emphasis on gradualism, adaptationism, and gene-centrism. He then proceeds to expose the "illusion" at the heart of this paradigm, pointing out that the Modern Synthesis fails to account for phenomena such as phenotypic plasticity, epigenetics, and non-genetic inheritance. These phenomena, Camacho argues, reveal the limitations of a gene-centri...

The journal article "Shaping faces: genetic and epigenetic control of craniofacial morphogenesis," published in Nature Reviews Genetics in 2023, provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate processes that shape the face during development. Authored by Licia Selleri and Filippo M. Rijli, the article delves into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that orchestrate the complex transformation of facial features, from the earliest embryonic stages to the formation of a distinct, individual face. Key Themes Explored: Genetic Regulation: The article emphasizes the fundamental role of genes in craniofacial development. Specific genes, known as homeobox genes, play a crucial role in patterning the facial primordia, the early embryonic structures that will eventually give rise to the face. These genes act as master regulators, controlling the expression of numerous other genes involved in shaping facial features. Signaling Pathways: The article highlights the im...

Horizontal Gene Transfer: A Surprising Force in Insect Evolution A groundbreaking study published in the journal Cell in 2022 revealed a surprising twist in the evolutionary tale of insects : the widespread influence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This phenomenon, where genetic material is passed between organisms in ways other than traditional parent-to-offspring inheritance, has long been recognized in microbes. However, its significant role in shaping the evolution of insects, particularly in the realm of male courtship behavior, was an unexpected discovery. The Study Led by researchers from Zhejiang University and the University of Memphis, the study investigated the genomes of 218 insect species, encompassing butterflies, moths, and other diverse groups. The researchers identified over 1,400 genes across these species that had been acquired through HGT from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even plants. These foreign genes were found to be involved in a variety of ...

The 2018 journal article , "The Virus World in Deep Time," published in Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews , offers a fascinating exploration of the ancient origins and evolutionary impact of viruses. The authors, Mart Krupovic, Valerian V. Dolja, and Eugene V. Koonin , delve into the depths of time to unravel the mysteries surrounding these enigmatic entities. By examining the fossil record, viral genomes, and evolutionary patterns, the article sheds light on the profound influence viruses have exerted on the history of life. Ancient Origins and Evolutionary History One of the central themes of the article is the notion that viruses are ancient, predating the emergence of cellular life . The authors challenge the conventional view that viruses are mere byproducts of cellular evolution and instead propose that they co-evolved alongside cellular organisms. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of viral-like particles in ancient geological formation...