300349 VO Darwin would be surprised: Some results of molecular evolution appear absurd (2011W)

Studies of evolution on the molecular level reveal that evolutionary processes although not occurring by chance proceed without a concept or aim. Genomic variations happen according to physical and chemical laws. The second step is selection, in most cases preserving new structures beneficial for survival, even if the result looks somewhat bizarre. Particularly eccentric seem Studies of evolution on the molecular level reveal that evolutionary processes although not occurring by chance proceed without a concept or aim. Genomic variations happen according to physical and chemical laws. The second step is selection, in most cases preserving new structures beneficial for survival, even if the result looks somewhat bizarre. Particularly eccentric seem run-away phenomena, during which evolution goes on even in the case of a disadvantageous result. Selection takes place on various levels, on the structure of the genome, on the individual organism or on a group. The lecture will be especially suitable for students who participated in the former lecture on Molecular mechanisms of evolution. However, at the beginning these mechanisms will be shortly presented.