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Extended evolution: A conceptual framework for integrating regulatory networks and niche construction
Author(s) -
Laubichler Manfred D.,
Renn Jürgen
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of experimental zoology part b: molecular and developmental evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1552-5015
pISSN - 1552-5007
DOI - 10.1002/jez.b.22631
Subject(s) - externalization , conceptual framework , niche , inheritance (genetic algorithm) , ecological niche , niche construction , focus (optics) , evolutionary biology , cognitive science , sociology , biology , computer science , ecology , psychology , social science , biochemistry , physics , optics , habitat , gene , psychoanalysis
This paper introduces a conceptual framework for the evolution of complex systems based on the integration of regulatory network and niche construction theories. It is designed to apply equally to cases of biological, social and cultural evolution. Within the conceptual framework we focus especially on the transformation of complex networks through the linked processes of externalization and internalization of causal factors between regulatory networks and their corresponding niches and argue that these are an important part of evolutionary explanations. This conceptual framework extends previous evolutionary models and focuses on several challenges, such as the path‐dependent nature of evolutionary change, the dynamics of evolutionary innovation and the expansion of inheritance systems. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 565–577, 2015 . © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.