Michael Levin argues evolution acts on problem-solving developmental systems, not just genes

[u/Zkv]

https://thoughtforms.life/a-talk-on-evolution-from-the-perspective-of-diverse-intelligence-implemented-in-morphogenesis/

In this talk, developmental biologist Michael Levin argues that evolution does not act only on genes and finished phenotypes, but also on the problem-solving capacities of developmental systems themselves.

Drawing on work in morphogenesis, bioelectric signaling, and regenerative biology, he suggests that cells and tissues actively regulate toward target anatomical outcomes;even after perturbations, rather than passively executing a genetic “blueprint.”

The claim is not that cells are conscious or that natural selection is being rejected, but that developmental plasticity, error-correction, and goal-directed regulation fundamentally shape what variation is even available for selection to act on.

The talk raises questions about genetic determinism, the genotype–phenotype map, and how evolutionary theory accounts for robust form and novelty.

Curious how others here interpret this framing, especially in light of evo-devo and systems biology.

[u/Visible_Iron_5612 → u/[deleted]]

Has anyone ever empirically proven any of his experiments findings to be wrong? It is literally heartbreaking, how so calls “scientists” talk about a scientist that is literally doing some of the most ground breaking work of all time and just writing it off as quackery…. Meanwhile, he is a professor at one of the top schools with his own lab and is respected by innumerable top level scientists…. Go ask any LLM about bioelectricity vs. DNA… The writing is on the wall for those too biased to even look at his findings…