All articles tagged with #evolutionary theory
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Earth.com
Recent research challenges traditional views on the rate of evolution by demonstrating that measurement errors and statistical noise, rather than biological factors, may explain the apparent rapid early evolution and subsequent slowdown, urging scientists to adopt more rigorous statistical methods to better understand true evolutionary patterns.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Washington Post
A new study suggests that traits associated with ADHD, such as impulsivity and distractibility, may offer an advantage in foraging by helping individuals to explore and find food more effectively. The findings challenge negative associations of ADHD and support the "evolutionary mismatch" theory, suggesting that such traits are advantageous in certain environments. While the study has limitations, it has important implications for understanding conditions like ADHD and highlights the importance of considering the environment in which neurodivergent traits manifest.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org
A study led by the University of Michigan supports the antagonistic pleiotropy theory of aging, which suggests that genetic mutations that promote reproduction tend to shorten human lifespan. The study analyzed genetic and health information from over 276,000 individuals and found a strong negative correlation between reproduction and lifespan. However, the authors note that genetic factors play a minor role compared to environmental factors in determining lifespan and reproductive behavior. The study provides genome-wide evidence for the evolutionary explanation of senescence proposed by biologist George Williams in 1957.