Evolution

The theory of evolution describes processes which by means of variation and natural selection lead to adaptations to changing conditions. This is not only true for biological systems, but has been researched the most in this area. Evolution happens both on the smallest molecular level and on the complex level of multicellular organisms and their interactions.

Evolutionary approaches therefore play a role in modern biomedicine as well as in the reconstruction and analysis of gene sequences which are used to clarify the processes of speciation. For instance, the development of infecting agents can often be fully understood only in connection with the co-evolution of their host. In the cognitive and neurosciences too, evolutionary and adaptive concepts play an important role. The topics of co-evolution of behaviour and brain structures are particularly subjected to new theoretical concepts and computational models.

The Research Group was concluded when its spokesperson Julia Fischer left the Junge Akademie in the summer of 2008.

participating Alumnae / Alumni