Omissions in the synthetic theory of evolution

Daniel Frías L

doi:10.4067/s0716-97602010000300006

Daniel Frías L

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4067/s0716-97602010000300006

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Abstract

The Synthetic Theory of Evolution is the most unifying theory of life science. This theory has dominated scientific thought in explaining the mechanisms involved in speciation. However, there are some omissions that have delayed the understanding of some aspects of the mechanisms of organic evolution, principally: 1) the bridge between somatic and germinal cells, especially in some phylum of invertebrates and vertebrates; 2) horizontal genetic transferences and the importance of viruses in host adaptation and evolution; 3) the role of non-coding DNA and non-transcriptional genes; 4) homeotic evolution and the limitations of gradual evolution; and 5) excessive emphasis on extrinsic barriers to animal speciation. This paper reviews each of these topics in an effort to contribute to a better comprehension of organic evolution. Molecular findings suggest the need for a new evolutionary synthesis.

Highlights

The synthetic theory of evolution is considered the most unifying theory of life science. This theory is mainly based on neo-Darwinism, on Mendelism, population genetics, mutations, natural selection, gradualism, and the central dogma of molecular biology
It is clear that the genetic code is found in structural genes, lower genes or ancestral genes, which are shared with viruses and prokaryotes
Much of the genetic program that makes differentiation and development of a multicellular organisms possible is in non-coding DNA, where non-transcriptional genes, transposable elements and endogenous viruses are located

Summary

Introduction

The synthetic theory of evolution is considered the most unifying theory of life science This theory is mainly based on neo-Darwinism, on Mendelism, population genetics, mutations, natural selection, gradualism, and the central dogma of molecular biology. These are key topics to explain genome changes, speciation phenomena, and biodiversity. Weismann established that organisms have two sets of cells: somatoplasm and germplasm In the latter, there are particles or biospheres associated with chromosomes responsible for the transmission of inherited characters. Weismann laid the foundations of chromosome theory of inheritance He rejected Lamarck’s theory of acquired characteristics, and challenged all these ideas of the natural selection theory of Charles Darwin. Neo-Darwinism emerged, by adding Weismann’s theory of the continuity of germplasm (East, 1929; Darlington, 1937)

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