Evolution is characterized by cooperation, connection, and shared survival rather than ruthless competition. Astrobiologist Betül Kaçar emphasizes that life thrives on collaboration. She cites the example of resilient microbes in the Black Sea, which survive through unique adaptations and provide essential resources for other organisms, demonstrating the significance of community in evolution. The prevailing narrative of the 'survival of the fittest' often misrepresents biological interactions, focusing on individual success rather than the interdependent network of life forms that cooperate and benefit one another.
Selection acts upon population. Everything that exists cooperates and learns and shares with each other. There's a lot of nuanced responses that life settled upon interacting with its environment.
When we think about survival of the fittest, we think about fitness being some sort of ruthlessness. It says more about ourselves than how biology works.
The microbes became the food source for the rest of the community. We are able to connect their presence with the ocean, with the seas, with their atmosphere.
True evolution is not about being the best alone, it's about connection, cooperation, and learning to live together.
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