Natural selection operates across multiple biological scales, revealing systemic evolutionary dynamics
Original framing: “Natural selection can work at many levels, from molecules to ecosystems” — Phys.org
Modern evolutionary biology increasingly recognizes multilevel selection as a key mechanism, with evidence from genetics, ecology, and microbiology supporting the idea that selection operates at multiple levels simultaneously. This challenges the traditional individual-centric model.
Natural selection is not a singular, individualistic force but a systemic process that operates across multiple levels of biological organization.
By integrating insights from Indigenous knowledge, historical context, and cross-cultural perspectives, we can move beyond the reductionist framing that has dominated Western science. This shift is essential for addressing contemporary challenges like biodiversity loss and antibiotic resistance, which require understanding the cooperative and relational dimensions of evolution. Emerging scientific models confirm that evolution is as much about cooperation as competition, and this insight must inform education, policy, and public discourse. A systemic view of evolution, grounded in both empirical evidence and diverse worldviews, offers a more accurate and actionable understanding of life’s complexity.