About the project
The project will investigate whether - and how - macro-evolution can be fully understood as a result of micro-evolutionary processes.
This will be achieved by integrating micro-evolutionary theory with theories on macro-evolution, hence determining whether we can explain macro-evolution within the framework of the Modern Synthesis or need to go beyond it.
For answering these fundamental questions we have assembled an international and multidisciplinary team of researchers that includes world leading scientists in their relevant fields. Given the track-record, background and expertise that the team brings together, we expect cutting-edge results with broad implications within the field of evolutionary biology.
The disconnect between micro- and macro-evolution is in part due to a surprisingly persistent disconnect between ecological and evolutionary research. In order to understand the whole picture we need to bring ecological and evolutionary dynamics together into a common
model-framework where not only their relative weight but, we believe more importantly, their dynamic interactions including feedback loops can be investigated. For this purpose we need causality modelling/analysis, a key component of our proposed project.
The project achieves focus and feasibility by investigating in depth the phenomenon of stasis vs. non-stasis of evolution. By assessing to what degree micro-evolutionary processes can explain this observed macro-evolutionary pattern we also assess to what degree we need a
separate theory for macro-evolution.
The crucial novelty that makes the project operational is the integration of mathematical modelling with state-of-the-art analysis of fossil mammal data as well as experimental microbiological data.
Objectives
Primary objective:
To fundamentally understand macroevolution in relation to microevolutionary processes by bringing together microevolutionary theory with theories on macroevolution.
Secondary objectives:
1. To understand the balance between abiotic and biotic interactions as drivers of macroevolution.
2. To explain stasis vs. non-stasis mode of evolution
3. To bridge biology, mathematical modelling and data analysis in the study of macroevolutionary questions by synchronising relevant concepts and measures. This will allow us to move from theory to a more operational approach, as well as to transfer conclusions between modelling, data analysis and theory
Financing
This Project is funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) FRIMEDBIO
RCN Project Number: 263149 (Project data bank at RCN)
UiO Project Number: 144535
Period
01.09.2017 - 28.02.2022