New study reveals the diverse nature of evolutionary designs

A report by Dr. Adrian Bejan, a J. A. Jones Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Duke University, claimed that evolution, characterized by dynamic flow configurations over time, challenges established doctrines. This is exemplified in human settlement access and animal locomotion, showing that a 1% imperfection provides substantial freedom for attaining optimal designs.

"The universal phenomenon of evolution consists of change after change in flow configuration in a time direction that is perceptible to the observer," according to the abstract of the study.

According to the study published on ScienceDirect, the universal phenomenon of evolution involves a continuous sequence of changes in flow configuration over perceptible intervals of time, observable to external entities. This inherent freedom contrasts with the established doctrine of precise optima, minima, and maxima, which is firmly rooted in calculus and computational simulations applied to dynamic configurations. To illustrate this tension, the study examines two disparate examples: the access dynamics within a human settlement and the linear dynamics of animal locomotion. Findings indicate that even a 1% imperfection in performance yields a substantial bandwidth of freedom, enabling the attainment of a diverse "target" design—easily accessible and nearly perfect in performance—challenging the conventional notion of optimization as a rigidly defined process.

Further exploration into evolutionary designs reveals the underlying physics governing the phenomenon of diminishing returns in the proximity of the mathematical optimum. This research emphasizes the clash between the diverse nature of evolution and the entrenched principles derived from mathematical models, highlighting the adaptability inherent in evolutionary processes. Rather than adhering strictly to calculated precision, evolution prioritizes the preservation of functional elements, showcasing a dynamic and responsive approach to optimization.

In essence, this study challenges the conventional understanding of optimization by presenting a nuanced perspective on the interplay between imperfections in performance and the inherent freedom within evolutionary processes. The tension between these elements sheds light on the intricacies of change and adaptation in the natural world, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of life's optimization processes. The findings invite a reevaluation of how we perceive and model optimization in the context of the continuously evolving and adapting systems observed in nature.

ScienceDirect: Adrian Bejan. Perfection is the enemy of evolution, Biosystems (July 2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.104917