VI.2.5 Molecular drive may have played a far greater role at the beginning of biological evolution than at the present time.

It is not entirely clear how great a role molecular drive plays in the current phase of biological evolution. However, if the gene theory of the origin of life is correct, it is quite possible that all evolution prior to the origin of the genetic code occurred through similar mechanisms as those that are now operative in the relict, i.e. far less important form in the processes of molecular drive.

Was this information useful for you?
The classical Darwinian theory of evolution can explain the evolution of adaptive traits only in asexual organisms. The frozen plasticity theory is much more general: It can also explain the origin and evolution of adaptive traits in both asexual and sexual organisms Read more
Draft translation from: Evoluční biologie, 2. vydání (Evolutionary biology, 2nd edition), J. Flegr, Academia Prague 2009. The translation was not done by biologist, therefore any suggestion concerning proper scientific terminology and language usage are highly welcomed. You can send your comments to flegratcesnet [dot] cz. Thank you.