Life's a gas: A thermodynamic theory of biological evolution

Keith R. Skene (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    45 Citations (Scopus)
    14 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    This paper outlines a thermodynamic theory of biological evolution. Beginning with a brief summary of the parallel histories of the modern evolutionary synthesis and thermodynamics, we use four physical laws and processes (the first and second laws of thermodynamics, diffusion and the maximum entropy production principle) to frame the theory. Given that open systems such as ecosystems will move towards maximizing dispersal of energy, we expect biological diversity to increase towards a level, Dmax representing maximum entropic production (Smax). Based on this theory, we develop a mathematical model to predict diversity over the last 500 million years. This model combines diversification, post-extinction recovery and likelihood of discovery of the fossil record. We compare the output of this model with that of the observed fossil record. The model predicts that life diffuses into available energetic space (ecospace) towards a dynamic equilibrium, driven by increasing entropy within the genetic material. This dynamic equilibrium is punctured by extinction events, which are followed by restoration of Dmax through diffusion into available ecospace. Finally we compare and contrast our thermodynamic theory with the MES in relation to a number of important characteristics of evolution (progress, evolutionary tempo, form versus function, biosphere architecture, competition and fitness).

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)5522-5548
    Number of pages27
    JournalEntropy
    Volume17
    Issue number8
    Early online date31 Jul 2015
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

    Keywords

    • Competition
    • Diffusion
    • Ecospace
    • Entropy
    • Evolutionary tempo
    • Extended evolutionary synthesis (ees)
    • Fossil record
    • Maximum entropy production principle (mepp)
    • Modern evolutionary synthesis (mes)
    • Natural selection
    • Species diversification

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Physics and Astronomy

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