1. Peacock feathers in the machine.
- Author
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Greenfield, Remina and McBee, Ross
- Subjects
POLLINATORS ,POLLINATION ,LIFE sciences ,SYMMETRY (Biology) ,BIRDSONGS ,ANIMAL communities ,BIOLOGICAL extinction ,SYSTEMS theory - Abstract
This article delves into the concept of autopoiesis, which refers to the self-creation and self-maintenance of living systems. It argues that aesthetic preference can impact evolution, challenging the notion of linear and mechanistic progress. The authors propose that aesthetic choices can drive and disrupt evolutionary patterns, resulting in a wide range of forms and ways of life. The article also critiques traditional adaptationist narratives in evolutionary biology and highlights the creativity and agency of living systems. It explores the role of aesthetic evolution in shaping the behaviors and traits of living beings, emphasizing the significance of mate preferences and sensory evaluations. The text suggests that aesthetic evolution can occur beyond sexual reproduction, such as in the coevolution between flowers and their pollinators. It underscores the importance of noise and variability in evolutionary systems and questions the idea of stability in complex systems. Overall, the text underscores the dynamic and changeable nature of evolution and the potential for aesthetic preferences to influence evolutionary paths. It challenges the notion that evolution is solely driven by survival and adaptation, arguing that aesthetic preferences and choices also play a significant role. The authors provide examples from nature, such as the vibrant feathers of peacocks and the intricate patterns of orchids, to illustrate how mate choice and aesthetic evolution shape the animal world. They stress the importance of considering aesthetic judgment in our understanding of evolution and the decisions we make regarding the environment and species preservation. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024