Paleobiologist Douglas Erwin Distinguishes Novelty from Innovation in Evolution
In a recent interview, paleobiologist Douglas Erwin discusses the critical distinction between novelty and innovation within biological and cultural evolution, drawing insights from his new book, The Origins of the New. Erwin argues that while scientists often conflate these terms, they represent fundamentally different concepts. Using the example of grasses, which appeared 55 million years ago but only achieved ecological dominance much later, he illustrates that novelty is merely the emergence of a new trait, whereas innovation involves successful adoption and transformative impact. Drawing parallels to economic history, where invention differs from market-successful innovation, Erwin suggests that true biological innovation restructures ecosystems and opens new evolutionary possibilities, such as influencing the evolution of grazing animals or human posture. He highlights the confusion arising from differing definitions among developmental biologists, who focus on morphological characters, and paleontologists, who examine ecological establishment. This interdisciplinary perspective aims to clarify how genuine transformative changes occur across disciplines, emphasizing that a single equation cannot describe the complex processes driving novelty and innovation in both nature and human culture.
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Paleobiologist Douglas Erwin Distinguishes Novelty from Innovation in Evolution
In a recent interview, paleobiologist Douglas Erwin discusses the critical distinction between novelty and innovation within biological and cultural evolution, drawing insights from his new book, The Origins of the New. Erwin argues that while scientists often conflate these terms, they represent fundamentally different concepts. Using the example of grasses, which appeared 55 million years ago but only achieved ecological dominance much later, he illustrates that novelty is merely the emergence of a new trait, whereas innovation involves successful adoption and transformative impact. Drawing parallels to economic history, where invention differs from market-successful innovation, Erwin suggests that true biological innovation restructures ecosystems and opens new evolutionary possibilities, such as influencing the evolution of grazing animals or human posture. He highlights the confusion arising from differing definitions among developmental biologists, who focus on morphological characters, and paleontologists, who examine ecological establishment. This interdisciplinary perspective aims to clarify how genuine transformative changes occur across disciplines, emphasizing that a single equation cannot describe the complex processes driving novelty and innovation in both nature and human culture.
Nautilus