Built to evolve

Abstract

We study the probabilities of evolution based on random mutations and natural selection. We conclude that evolution to multicellular eukaryots, or even prokaryots, is unlikely to be the result of only random mutations. Complex organisms have evolved through several mechanisms besides random mutations, namely DNA recombination, adaptive mutations, and acquisition of foreign DNA. We conclude that all living organisms, in addition to being self-organizing and reproducing (autopoyetic), have built-in mechanisms of evolution, some of which respond in very specific ways to environmental stress.