Focus on Evolution
Institute of Evolutionary Biology
From Major Evolutionary Transitions to an Organismic Biology
The Institute of Evolutionary Biology focuses on the major transitions in the evolution of the animal kingdom and of humankind, as well as on concepts for the development of an organismic biology. The starting point is organisms as living systems that actively distinguish themselves from their environment and interact with it. Against this background, the Institute addresses questions such as what constitutes a ‘system’ in the organic realm, whether the autonomy of organisms has changed over the course of evolution, and whether the active involvement of organisms—including during major evolutionary transitions—can be described in scientific detail. In addition, the research examines the implications that an understanding of the relative degrees of freedom of organisms has for our understanding of human evolution, as humans too have emerged from a process of increasingly gaining autonomy.
Research: Evolutionary trends and a new understanding of the system
The research carried out by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology is divided into two areas of work:
Research Area: ‘Trends in Evolution’
Over the course of Earth’s history, the systemic properties of organisms have gradually become increasingly flexible and autonomous. This area of research investigates these properties and how they have changed. This is achieved by examining selected zoological and palaeontological examples and by studying the trends through which the hierarchical levels of these systems have emerged. One example is the emergence of mammals, which can be clearly traced using fossils.
Research Area: ‘Organismic Systems Biology’
This research focuses on the development of an integrative concept of systems, which, in its implications, goes beyond the currently fashionable concept of systems. It is based on the hypothesis that systems possess independent properties and are capable of integrating their sub-functions into a coherent whole. As such, they cannot be explained simply as the sum of molecular sub-processes. The resulting understanding of systems – including that of the human organism – has implications for medicine. This work thus contributes to the Faculty of Health’s research priority area of ‘Integrative and Person-Centred Healthcare’.
Key areas of research
Organismic Systems Biology
The research focus on organismic systems biology deals with concepts for understanding the organism. The aim is to develop a proposal for a form of systems biology that is appropriate to the specific characteristics of the organism. The fundamental idea behind this proposal is based on Paul Weiss’s systems approach. This multi-year research project further develops his concept, applies it to the findings of modern biology – including molecular biology – and integrates it into the concept of the emergence of autonomy in evolution.
Patterns of major transitions
In order to reveal the patterns of major evolutionary transitions, relevant palaeontological examples are being analysed. It has become apparent that the evolutionary temporal patterns in vertebrates consist of a mosaic of evolutionarily older, evolutionarily newer and transitional characteristics. Similar heterochronic changes have also been demonstrated in the evolution of early land plants. The Institute is also investigating how mammals evolved from early reptiles, thereby gaining insights into the origins of human morphology and physiology.
Studies on the intellectual history of the theory of evolution
Today’s scientific explanations, concepts and controversies can only be fully understood by consulting the history of evolutionary theory. In its studies, the Institute therefore explores the diversity of views that have existed since the emergence of evolutionary thought. In doing so, it focuses in particular on approaches that address the order and creativity of evolution. The aim is to understand organisms as active entities within the evolutionary process.
Questions relating to scientific methodology
The Institute develops proposals for practical methodological approaches that shed light on the specific characteristics of life processes. These include questions such as how the simultaneous processes that characterise living organisms can be adequately investigated, what role the concept of ‘type’ plays, how chronobiology can be used to understand temporal processes, and whether network and hierarchical system models can provide an understanding of the principle of the wholeness of organisms.
Studies on human evolution
The Institute studies findings relating to the history of humankind on the premise that it is not only biological characteristics and survival strategies that have evolved, but also psychological, intellectual and cultural abilities. Cultural artefacts, such as the stone tools of the hominins, provide insight into these, amongst other things. Similarly, patterns can be identified in this field that are otherwise found in the evolution of the plant and animal kingdoms, such as the asynchronous development (heterochrony) of traits and the development of autonomy and degrees of freedom.
Publications
All publications by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology are gradually being included in the university bibliography.
Teaching: Focusing on evolution
The institute offers courses in general biology, as well as seminars as part of the ‘Studium Fundamentale’ programme and a natural history field trip. A biological collection provides an overview of evolution through fossils and taxidermied specimens.
Management
Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. vet.
Bernd Rosslenbroich
Institute management
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Institute for Evolutionary Biology
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 WittenRoom number: D 80
Team
Dr. rer. nat.
Susanna Kümmell
Researcher
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Institute for Evolutionary Biology
Stockumer Str.10
58453 WittenRoom number: D. 81
Priv.-Doz. Dr. rer. hort.
Hans-Christoph Vahle
Freelance research assistant
Faculty of Health (School of Medicine) | Institute for Evolutionary Biology
Stockumer Str.10
58453 Witten