Mutation + Selection = Stasis

Mutation Selection StasisThe genetic mutation plus natural selection equation emerged as the most popular theory of biological evolution during the twentieth century. With advances in biotechnology, however, the credibility of this theory – popularly known as neo-Darwinism or the Modern Synthesis theory – has since been increasingly challenged by evolutionary scientists.

In an experimental evolution model using the yeast microbe Saccharomyces cerevisiae species, a recent study published in the journal Science by a Harvard research group undermines the theory of genetic mutations plus natural selection equals evolution. The model demonstrates stasis – not evolution.

With a $320,000 National Institute of Health grant, working from his fourth-floor lab at Harvard University, assistant professor Michael Desai in Organismic & Evolutionary Biology discovered that the introduction of a wide variety of genetic mutations over time produces the same result.

Continue Reading

Pin It on Pinterest