The Physics of Evolution

Physics plays a significant role in evolution by introducing matter and energy resource flow, organism self-copying, and ecological change. This book uses quantitative models to explain these processes and demonstrates how complex design can arise naturally through an endless cycle of selection, multicellularity, coevolution, sexual reproduction, and the Serengeti Rules. It will be of great interest to students studying biophysics, physics, systems biology, and related fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Physics plays a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth, and this book provides an insightful introduction to its significance. Based on the principles of matter and energy resource flow, organism self-copying, and ecological change, the text employs these ideas to develop quantitative models for important evolutionary processes.

While many fields of science and engineering have encountered the challenge of complex design, nature has found a remarkable solution through evolution. However, the exact mechanisms behind this process have remained a mystery. Laboratory experiments and computer-simulation attempts eventually reached a plateau, failing to evolve further. It became apparent that something more than Darwin's ideas of heredity, variation, and selection was required to explain the complexity of life.

The missing element in the equation is ecological change. When a new variation is selected, it can alter the ecology, creating new opportunities for even more novel variations to be selected. This continuous cycle of selection and ecological change allows complexity to grow automatically.

In this book, the authors utilize the physics of resource flow to describe this intricate process in detail. They develop quantitative models for various evolutionary processes, including selection, multicellularity, coevolution, sexual reproduction, and the Serengeti Rules. The text demonstrates that these models are in conceptual agreement with numerous examples of biological phenomena, providing a deep understanding of how complex design can emerge naturally.

This book serves as a valuable resource for students at the university level and above studying biophysics, physics, systems biology, and related fields. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the role of physics in evolution and sheds light on the mechanisms that drive the remarkable diversity and complexity of life on our planet.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032489070