Evolution and the Regulation of Environmental Variables

The idea that the biota can regulate the abiotic components of their environment to levels suitable for life has attracted criticism from neo-Darwinian theorists but is still a viable hypothesis. Here we present a model, similar to Daisyworld [1] but more general, which allows for a more extensive study of the compatibility of biotic regulation with evolutionary theory. Results obtained highlight the importance of constraints on the evolutionary process for the emergence of regulation, and set the scene for more comprehensive future study.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: ECAL
• Authors: Hywel T. P. Williams, Jason Noble
• Keywords: Abiotic Components, ECAL 2005, Neo-Darwinian Theorists, Viable Hypothesis