NeoDarwinian Review

The study of genomics, the comprehensive analysis of an organism's complete set of DNA, has unveiled a perplexing and persistent enigma: orphan genes. These genetic sequences, unique to specific species, defy conventional evolutionary explanations, presenting a significant challenge to our understanding of life's history. The discovery of these "orphans," as highlighted in the provided text, underscores the complexity and ongoing mysteries within evolutionary biology. "The evolutionary mystery of orphan genes ash tree genome. Of these one quarter (9,604) were unique to ash." This statement immediately establishes the focus on the ash tree genome and the substantial presence of unique genes. The sheer number, 9,604 genes representing a quarter of the ash's genetic material, is striking. It indicates that a significant portion of the ash's genetic makeup is not shared with other organisms, setting the stage for the exploration of these ...

The intricate dance of life hinges on the precise and efficient catalysis of biochemical reactions, a task primarily undertaken by enzymes. While the notion of shared ancestry often explains similarities in enzyme function and structure, a growing body of evidence reveals a fascinating phenomenon: convergent evolution. This occurs when unrelated enzymes, originating from distinct evolutionary lineages, independently evolve to catalyze the same chemical reaction. A recent journal article , focusing on 34 well-documented cases, delves into this phenomenon, challenging traditional views and highlighting the multifaceted nature of enzymatic convergence. The core premise of this research is that simply observing similar catalytic activities is insufficient to claim true convergence. A rigorous examination of sequence, structure, active site geometry, and reaction mechanisms is crucial. The study meticulously analyzes these features, revealing that the " same reaction "...

Richard M. Lerner's "The Heredity Hoax," co-edited with Gary Greenberg, presents a powerful critique of genetic reductionism , particularly as it pertains to human development. The book argues against the notion that genes are the sole, or even primary, determinants of human traits and behaviors, advocating instead for a dynamic, interactive model that emphasizes the interplay between genes, epigenetics and the environment. Here's a breakdown of the book's key arguments and how they differ from neo-Darwinian perspectives: Core Arguments of "The Heredity Hoax": Critique of Genetic Reductionism: The book challenges the idea that complex human characteristics can be explained by isolating and analyzing individual genes. It argues that this " gene-centric" view oversimplifies the intricate processes of human development. It highlights the limitations of behavior genetics studies that often overemphasize heritability estimates while n...

Zane Koch's proposition of somatic mutations as a primary driver of epigenetic aging presents a compelling alternative perspective to traditional, neo-Darwinian explanations of senescence. While neo-Darwinism primarily focuses on the accumulation of deleterious genetic mutations over generations, impacting reproductive fitness and thus influencing the evolutionary trajectory of aging, Koch's hypothesis shifts the focus to the individual, highlighting the role of accumulated somatic mutations in disrupting epigenetic regulation throughout a lifespan . Neo-Darwinism, in its classical form, suggests that aging is not actively selected for, but rather a byproduct of declining selective pressure on traits expressed later in life.  Genes that benefit an organism early in life, promoting reproduction, are favored, even if they have detrimental effects later on.  This theory, known as the " mutation accumulation " theory, posi...