The Fragility of Evolution: A Novel View

By Michael A. Susko

This work offers an alternative paradigm for viewing life and its dynamic capacity for change. Rather than focusing on the end result of evolution with concepts such as resilience and fitness, it focuses on the actual process of change, in which life goes through a fragile period. Using plain-spoken language and based on an earlier scholarly work, it examines six biological domains which exhibit fragility and make for evolutionary novelty. They are: 1) the organism's dynamic genome, which exhibits a remarkable fluidity;  2) Symbiosis, involving the creative merger of two types of organisms; 3) Sexuality, in which the merger of sexes produces unique offspring; 4) Multicellularity, which makes for most of earth's macroscopic life; 5) Development, change resulting from the fragile period of immaturity of organisms; 6) The principle of the "head", a holistic/controlling dimension of the organism which is inherently fragile and dynamic; 7) The social dimension with the fragility of  cooperative and competitive interactions, and; 8)  ecological dimension with its interwoven, delicate web of connections. To this we add a "cumulative dimension" which embraces a spirituality of biology. Teaching our youth and having the public become aware of such a model which focuses on the fragility and sacrificial dimension of dynamic change would serve to enhance our personal lives and work to increase the chances for the earth and humanity's survival.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: AllrOneofUs Publishing
• Release date: Mar 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224331789

Michael A. Susko

With an interest in interdisciplinary studies, the author majored in Philosophy and obtained a Masters in  Counseling Psychology. He has taught college courses, including Archetypes in History, the History of Madness in Western Civilization, and the Symbolism of Indigenous Cultures. In reading history over his lifetime, a generational scale has proven to be highly useful, and he wishes to share this work to make history accessible to all.

Book preview

THE FRAGILITY OF EVOLUTION

A NOVEL VIEW

Michael A. Susko

AllrOneofUs Publishing

Baltimore, MD & Huntsville, AL

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

THE FRAGILITY OF EVOLUTION: A NOVEL VIEW

First edition. March 4, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Michael A. Susko.

ISBN: 979-8224331789

Written by Michael A. Susko.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Preface

Introduction

Chapter I: The Organism’s Dynamic Genome

Chapter II: Symbiosis and the Merger of Organisms

Chapter III: Sexuality, Another Way of Merger

Chapter IV: Multicellularity and the Merger of Cells

Chapter V: Development, From a Single Cell to an Organism

Chapter VI: The Organism’s Head

Chapter VII: Cooperation Among Organisms

Chapter VIII: Organisms and Their Ecology

Chapter IX: The Cumulative Connection, Toward a Spirituality of Biology

Chapter X: Final Thoughts on Our Stance in Life

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Further Reading: Life's Dynamic Vulnerability: A Paradigm Shift in Biology

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About the Author

About the Publisher

To the Indigo children of the world with whom the future lies.

Preface

Written into our body and biological beings is a wondrous world that can be explored as a science. In this journey we are asked to be humble enough to look at what biological beings are about within their own terms. We believe it not useful to project a singular controlling metaphor to explain this world, whether it be taken from the realm of commerce, or the spiritual dimension. What does biology itself teach us? We would do well to be open to a variety of metaphors, for we suspect that the multiplicity and complexity of life can not be fully captured by a singular concept. Fitness, for example, conjures the sports world, and a highly conditioned athlete. But an array of factors, from inherited ability, the monetary means to provide training, ongoing social backing,  mental focus and acuity, and the will to excel, all need to come together to produce a successful athlete. Thus, we ask ourselves to be open to a variety of biological domains and see what they teach us, what metaphors may present, without any a priori (or prior) belief that may keep us from seeing what is there.

That being said, once we have done the exploration, we may find a descriptor or theme that consistently arises or resonates from this variety, a helpful lens from which to view things. In this work, we found that inverting the metaphor of fitness, turning it on its own head, produces an interesting and valuable perspective. We believe this novel descriptor comes more from within the biological world, rather than being a metaphor imposed from outside. Thus, we will consider whether the actual processes of life and life’s evolution  is a fragile one. This means that rather than the end result of fitness, we  highlight the process of achieving that state. In the example of the athlete, we would be focused on achieving fitness: the training program, the working through of mistakes, the challenges and injuries endured as the person becomes an athlete. 

This work, The Fragility of Evolution, has been subtitled A Novel View. This usage does not mean that biologists have not forged concepts that lay behind this work, or that the views presented here would be unfamiliar to professionals. Rather, the overall view offered here would be novel to the public, and novel for the professional field to reorient the field of evolutionary biology. Twenty