Evolution And Evolvability

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 03 Dec 2008 - 10:00 PST

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Evolutionary biologists are increasingly interested in the "evolvability" of populations and their traits. This opinion piece examines different interpretations that have been put on the idea of evolvability, which differ in the timescales over which the concept is applied.

For some, evolvability characterises the potential for future adaptive mutation and evolution. Others use evolvability to capture the nature of genetic variation as it exists in populations and the ability of these populations to respond to the natural selection operating now.

The latter view raises important issues about the way we should think about natural selection.

Royal Society Journal Biology Letters

Biology Letters publishes short, innovative and cutting-edge research articles and opinion pieces accessible to scientists from across the biological sciences. The journal is characterised by stringent peer-review, rapid publication and broad dissemination of succinct high-quality research communications.

Biology Letters