Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: We wish to provide a meta-evolutionary basis for epigenetics and gene-culture co-evolution which lie beyond current evolutionary paradigms. We wish to give detailed mechanisms of action of the evolutionary urge that is responsible for all adaptations and hence of all evolution. Methods: We review recent developments in epigenetics and gene-culture co-evolution to explain in detail how exactly the evolutionary urge operates at all levels from a meta-evolution perspective. Findings: Adaptive urge leads to epigenetic marks which accumulate on the epigenome resulting ultimately in mutations in DNA, thereby causing morphological modifications. The epigenetic marks are the key intermediaries between the adaptive urges and the mutations. New adaptive urges get encoded into the epigenome and facilitate gene-culture co-evolution and speciation. The fundamental core of all evolution is the urge for survival, freedom and joy. Applications/Improvements: The fundamental proposal of meta-evolution theory is that the reason behind adaptive evolution is the evolutionary urge, which is lodged in the psyche of the individual. Intensity of urge determines the success or failure in adaptation. Fine structure of definite urges like cognitive urge, respiratory urge, locomotive urge, reproductive urge and urge for food etc. help explain the development of complexity ofcorresponding organs in the species.

Keywords: Epigenetics, Gene-Culture co-evolution, Species, Survival, Urge, Adaptation