Should evolution be viewed as a transfer of information?

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Information follows different rules from matter and energy, which might change the way we see evolution

One reason that the theory of evolution is controversial is the claim that sheer randomness produces information. That is, randomly generated events are somehow selected for survival and continuing complex development (Darwinian evolution). The theory is understandably popular because, if correct, it would answer a great many questions. The problem is, we do not see randomly generated events producing complex mechanisms in the life around us. We are asked, however, to believe that this modern synthesis (MS) is true over the grand sweep of evolutionary time.

Over the years, it has become evident that evolution happens in a number of ways. including horizontal gene transfer between unrelated species, epigenetic inheritance of genes that changed during our parents' lifetimes, and convergent evolution — where vastly different life forms end up with very similar mechanisms as a result of pursuing a common goal. Efforts to incorporate these processes into evolution theory are sometimes called the the Third Way or extended evolutionary synthesis (EES).

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A new model of evolution relies on information theory, which is itself interesting because information is governed by different rules from matter and energy. For example, it is created by ruling out possibilities, it is relational, not causal, and it is not reduced by being shared. It is also immaterial. For example, Einstein's bomb equation, e = mc², had a huge impact on the world but by itself, it is an immaterial idea.

Information can be stripped of all matter and appear in a variety of media: I could phone and tell you the winning lottery number or send you an email or a letter about it or discuss it on radio or TV. Vastly different material media; same information.

Reinterpreting evolution as a transfer of information will lead to both different questions and different answers.

The authors of a new open access paper, marine researcher Rasmus Skern-Mauritzen and forester Thomas Nygaard Mikkelsen make clear that they understand information to be immaterial. Here is the Summary of their Information Continuum Model of evolution:

Summary

1. Information is immaterial by nature but must have a physical form to exist.

2. Inherited information may be found in many forms.

3. The forms have divergent properties and information may over time change its physical form.

4. We suggest the term 'hereditome' to refer to the sum of inherited information and its forms.

5. The substrate of natural selection is immaterial information.

6. The Information Continuum Model is a simple heuristic model that allows evolution and natural selection to be investigated without conceptual restrictions imposed by the properties of individual hereditome components.

7. The conceptual nature of Information Continuum Model enables it to serve as an interdisciplinary platform for collaboration between natural and social sciences.

Here's their abstract:

Abstract: Most biologists agree that evolution is contingent on inherited information shaped by natural selection. This apparent consensus could be taken to indicate agreement on the forces shaping evolution, but vivid discussions reveal divergences on how evolution is perceived. The predominant Modern Synthesis (MS) paradigm holds the position that evolution occurs through random changes acting on genomic inheritance. However, studies from recent decades have revealed that evolutionary inheritance also includes DNA-methylation, RNA, symbionts, and culture, among other factors. This has fueled a demand of a broader evolutionary perspective, for example from the proponents of the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES). Despite fundamental disagreements the different views agree that natural selection happens through dissimilar perpetuation of inheritable information. Yet, neither the MS, nor the ESS dwell extensively on the nature of hereditary information. We do - and conclude that information in and of itself is immaterial. We then argue that the quality upon which natural selection acts henceforth is also immaterial. Based on these notions, we arrive at the information-centric Information Continuum Model (ICM) of evolution. The ICM asserts that hereditary information is embedded in diverse physical forms (DNA, RNA, symbionts etc.) representing a continuum of evolutionary qualities, and that information may migrate between these physical forms. The ICM leaves theoretical exploration of evolution unrestricted by the limitations imposed by the individual physical forms wherein the hereditary information is embedded (e.g. genomes). ICM bestows us with a simple heuristic model that adds explanatory dimensions to be considered in the evolution of biological systems.

Skern-Mauritzen R, Mikkelsen TN. The information continuum model of evolution. Biosystems. 2021 Nov;209:104510. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104510. Epub 2021 Aug 18. PMID: 34416317.

Reader Comments

Tsidkenu · 2022-06-10T00:08:53Z

No, it should be viewed as a bankrupt theory destined for the trashbin with no empirical evidence to support it.

Let the bait-and-switch fallacies begin.

JTF Truth · 2022-06-10T02:26:08Z

Are they ever going to be disappointed to learn that it was created by YHWH.

codis · 2022-06-10T08:32:39Z

That is, randomly generated events are somehow selected for survival and continuing complex development (Darwinian evolution). The theory is understandably popular because, if correct, it would answer a great many questions. The problem is, we do not see randomly generated events producing complex mechanisms in the life around us.

In fact, it is even worse.

There is zero proof for "macro evolution", neither archeology nor computer simulations can demonstrate the emergence of a new species from another one.

And "micro evolution", which is the change and adaption of a species over time, hs shown to be a "loss" or suppression of information, i.e. unfavourable gene expressions are suppressed.

Joyly · 2022-06-10T11:04:22Z

Recently watched a doc about the dinosaurs of which there is no evidence, plus one would have to believe that an extinction event can be selective and remove only one species, while all the other mammals survived anc there is evidence that man predated the Dinos.

Another doco. gave much evidence that maybe our forbears were much taller than us.

But of course all this does not fit the Darwinian theory of evolution. I personally think that this theory was a deliberate ploy to separate people from believing in God. A God that has the unlimited potential to create all that is.

ge0m0 · 2022-06-10T13:24:27Z

4. We suggest the term 'hereditome' to refer to the sum of inherited information and its forms.

So, information has its own entropy?

I doubt it. Rather, what changes is not the agglomeration of information into some host intelligence, but the perspective of the host/witness which broadens to allow more information. Analogies to rivers flowing is apt when describing consciousness, and by extension the analogy of data flow and bandwidth are subtler forms of that elemental (i.e. 5 elements: space, air, fire, water, earth) flow.

Nothing is inherited. The same information cycles through the system as it churns, just as the hydrologic cycle evaporates the oceans, condenses it in clouds, drops it as rain, filling rills, streams, rivers, ever broadening bandwidth with greater capacity for information flow.

Nothing is lost either...except access to the source of flow. Think of dams. The water is still there. It's just being choked off and hoarded for other informational transfer, diverting the stream of flow into other elements.

Joyly · 2022-06-11T03:28:24Z

ge0m0 Yep. The only thing needed is desire on the part of the observer. If one desires the truth. It becomes very clear. Then you realise it was available all the time. All truth is like that. As you said just like water in the dam.

codis · 2022-06-11T09:04:57Z

Joyly Realistically speaking, most people prefer the comfortable lie which confirms their current beliefs.

Joyly · 2022-06-14T12:39:14Z

codis Yep. I came up with this great bumper sticker.

“There’s no growth in comfort”

I could add “if you are not growing, you are dying.”

That is likely true of those settling for comfort. They will be sorry. It will gradually become less comfortable - and be too late.

How are you and how are your family members in the war zone?

codis · 2022-06-14T13:13:21Z

Joyly About the war zone, things are relatively quiet.

The area (Zytomir) is not contested, and only suffers occasional Russian missile strikes to weapon transports, weapon/ammo ware houses, and training facilities (for mercenaries). Though, life is getting more difficult. Goods and food become more expensive, with frequent shortages. Not even talking about gas.

I would guess the Ukrainians mount some considerable reistance only in the Donbas, throwing more and more troups into that battle field (with very little effect). Once these troups are destroyed, the Russian advances will IMHO rise from one mile per day to 50 miles per day, and the fighting subside very quickly. And most regions fall into Russian hands without any shot.

Most of my wife's extended family grew up in the Soviet era, without any engrained hate for ethnic Russians. And having lived through a few decades of Ukrainian/Western corruption, they would adapt to a new Russian reality very quickly. Despite of all the Western propaganda ...

Joyly · 2022-06-17T14:06:14Z

codis I wondered about that. I hope it settles to the benefit of the indigenous folk. Thanks codis.

codis · 2022-06-17T16:30:26Z

Joyly My wife's family lives in a relatively mixed area. Not sure where it will end up.

For the rest, one can safely assume that anything that hat been Russian under the tsar will become Russian again.

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Should evolution be viewed as a transfer of information?

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