Subscribe now

Life

Life's purpose: Can animals guide their own evolution?

It’s heretical, but it might just be true: organisms may be able to direct the evolutionary path their descendants take

By Bob Holmes

9 October 2013

New Scientist Default Image

Might organisms have the power to direct their own evolution?

Image: Drew Gardner/Eyevine

IF YOU want to make steam rise from an evolutionary biologist’s ears, try suggesting that evolution might have a goal or purpose. The idea has been anathema for more than a century, ever since biologists rejected Jean-Baptiste Lamarck’s idea that giraffes that stretched to reach high branches could pass their long necks on to their offspring. Evolutionary change, we know, results from random mutation and natural selection, and any notion of purpose smacks of creationism and its close cousin, intelligent design. “That’s the third rail of evolutionary theory,” says Peter Corning – anyone who treads near it risks a severe shock to their reputation.

But Corning, director of the Institute for the Study of Complex Systems in Friday Harbor, Washington, is one of a handful of people who are tiptoeing, gingerly, into the danger zone by suggesting that organisms can guide their own evolution. And they are not talking about a few rare curiosities. If they are right, this evolutionary steering has played a crucial role in the history of life on Earth. It may even have been significant in the evolution of humans.

It is important to note at the outset what these radicals are not saying. They are not saying that evolution has an intrinsic tendency towards larger size, greater complexity or increasing intelligence. They are not saying that organisms can order up the mutations they need whenever they need them – although individuals might be able …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account