Modern evolutionary synthesis
hideThe modern evolutionary synthesis (also referred to as the new synthesis, the modern synthesis, and the evolutionary synthesis) is a union of ideas from several biological specialties which forms a logical account of evolution. This synthesis has been accepted by nearly all working biologists. The synthesis was produced over about a decade (1936–1947), and the development of population genetics (1918–1932) was the stimulus. This showed that Mendelian genetics was consistent with natural selection and gradual evolution. The synthesis is still, to a large extent, the current paradigm in evolutionary biology.
Julian Huxley invented the term, when he produced his book, Evolution: The Modern Synthesis (1942). Other major figures in the modern synthesis include R. A. Fisher, Theodosius Dobzhansky, J.B.S. Haldane, Sewall Wright, E.B. Ford, Ernst Mayr, Bernhard Rensch, Sergei Chetverikov, George Gaylord Simpson, and G. Ledyard Stebbins.
The modern synthesis solved difficulties and confusions caused by the specialisation and poor communication between biologists in the early years of the 20th century. Discoveries of early geneticists were difficult to reconcile with gradual evolution and the mechanism of natural selection. The synthesis reconciled the two schools of thought, while providing evidence that studies of populations in the field were crucial to evolutionary theory. It drew together ideas from several branches of biology that had become separated, particularly genetics, cytology, systematics, botany, morphology, ecology and paleontology.
For more information about Modern evolutionary synthesis, read the full article at
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News tagged with evolutionary synthesis
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Nov 05, 2009 |
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Despite their fearsome fangs, male sabertoothed cats may have been less aggressive than many of their feline cousins, says a new study of male-female size differences in extinct big cats.
Are humans still evolving? Absolutely, says new analysis of long-term survey of human health
Oct 19, 2009 |
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Although advances in medical care have improved standards of living over time, humans aren't entirely sheltered from the forces of natural selection, a new study shows.
Woody plants adapted to past climate change more slowly than herbs
Sep 23, 2009 |
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Can we predict which species will be most vulnerable to climate change by studying how they responded in the past? A new study of flowering plants provides a clue. An analysis of more than 5000 plant species ...
Study examines the evolutionary fate of 'useless' traits
Sep 08, 2009 |
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What happens when traits no longer give creatures a competitive edge?
Freshwater fish at the top of the food chain evolve more slowly
Jul 28, 2009 |
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For avid fishermen and anglers, the largemouth bass is a favorite freshwater fish with an appetite for minnows. A new study finds that once they evolved to eat other fish, largemouth bass and fellow fish-feeders ...
Ancient fossils shed light on anatomical changes accompanying evolution of first land vertebrates
Other Sciences / Archaeology & Fossils
Jul 06, 2009 |
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Cartoon depictions of the first animals to emerge from the ocean and walk on land often show a simple fish with feet, venturing from water to land. But according to Jennifer Clack, a paleontologist at the ...
New fossil tells how piranhas got their teeth
Other Sciences / Archaeology & Fossils
Jun 25, 2009 |
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How did piranhas -- the legendary freshwater fish with the razor bite -- get their telltale teeth? Researchers from Argentina, the United States and Venezuela have uncovered the jawbone of a striking transitional ...
Animal families with the most diversity also have widest range of size
Mar 17, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Somewhere out there in the ocean, SpongeBob SquarePants has a teeny-tiny cousin and a humongous uncle.
