Biological Complexity and Punctuated Equilibria

Abstract

The theory of punctuated equilibrium proposed by Gould and Eldredge has been considered “heretic” isolated from the main currents of scientific thought for a long time. This paper challenges this view showing that, contrary to this position, acceleration of evolution and criticality are processes very well known in physics and in general in the field of complex systems. This thesis is supported by a vast number of examples of acceleration in living systems deriving from their state of extended criticality (Bailly and Longo) and new equilibria can be reached through the utilization of four categories of variation (genetic, epigenetic, behavioural, cultural) the last one being used by humans, the constructors of cultural punctuated processes. All these concepts, finally, are documented with a vast number of recent experimental data fully confirming the paleontological observations by Gould and Eldredge.