a perspective of evolutionary traits of humans, … · colorado state university –...

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY – [email protected]

1

A PERSPECTIVE OF EVOLUTIONARY TRAITS OF HUMANS, PLANTS AND INSECTS AS

THEY RELATE TO ONE ANOTHER IN BEHAVIOR AND FUNCTIONALITY IN THE

CONTEXT OF HABITAT, TIME AND SPACE IN THE QUANTUM EVOLUTION MODEL

(QEM)

- Jonathan C. Sautter

ABSTRACT:

There are conceptual gaps currently present in modern ecology and evolution. The lack of a

comprehensive and accurate frame work for describing, observing, recording and analyzing the behaviors

of individual species to the context of the habitat, limits the ability of all too accurately understand and

conceptualize the complexities of ecology and evolution (Southwood, 1977). There has been considerable

work completed by ecologists (Southwood 1977) to describe the individual components of ecology and

evolution; however, the majority of the models purposed do not accurately depict or represent the

observable macro- and microscopic variables. To solve this problem, this paper will introduce a new model

for ecology and evolution - the Quantum Evolution Model (QEM). This model combines the basic

principles of quantum physics, particle and wave characteristics (Goldstein 2001) and (Bell 1966) with

Southwood’s conceptualization of ecology as a principle of particle matrix potential in the context of time

and space. This paper will serve to start the discussion, by providing the broad contextual evidence and

basics of the mathematical equations that support its behavior and expression. To further illustrate, the use

or worth of the QEM, preexisting evidence and theories pertaining to ecology and evolution, such as the

Classical Plant Defense theory supported by (Cacho 2015) and (Kumar 2013), early human evolution theory

supported by (Maslin 2015) as well as pairwise coevolution show by (Juenger 1998) and diffuse coevolution


2

theories observed by (Bryant 1985), (Weiblen 2003) and (Goldman-Huertas 2015). will be applied and

used to create a new perspective.

INTRODUCTION:

The word ecology is derived from the Greek term for habitat (Southwood, 1977); and is a branch

of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments and most importantly,

it is the pattern of relations between organisms and their environment (Merriam-webster Dictionary, 2016).

However, there has been little success in creating technical or conceptual models that depict ecological

habitats accurately in its entirety (Southwood, 1977). Evolution is commonly reported and described in a

single microscopic or macroscopic perspective without an applied relationship frame work of ecology or

the greater context in which the observation occurred (Southwood, 1977). There is no current model that

can withstand observed evolutionary events and predictions accurately and link observed behavior

accurately. This idea is supported by Charles Elton (1966), from Southwood, who stated the definition of

habitats, or rather lack of it, is one of the chief blind spots in Zoology’. Additionally, Southwood remarks,

that in the classifications of nature, it is easy to find exceptions to existing models; the real challenge, is not

to just locate the exception, but to use this to improve, modify or even change the general frame-work. The

exceptions alluded to by Southwood and the inability of models to provide an accurate conceptual frame

work of ecology, purposed by Elton (Southwood, 1977); account for a knowledge gap in the study of

ecology and subsequent lack of cohesive theories and modeling of ecology and evolution.

The limitation to our current circulating models of ecology is the complexity of the concept of time

and space of which, ‘a visible combination all dimensions is beyond us!’(Southwood, 1977). Quantum

mechanics and quantum physics provide a frame work in which it is possible to quantify and qualify the

complexities ecology with the incorporation of the particle and wave duality theory and quantum mechanics

(Bell 1966) and (Goldstein 2001). Applying the basic framework of quantum mechanics with Southwood’s


3

work, a continuum can be created. Southwood stated, we out to be able to arrange the carious patterns of

branching and strand constancy to form continua. However, it is now apparent that habitats cannot be

quantitatively characterized by less than a minimum of five parameters and their variances and these must

be scaled against three characters of the organism.

The duty of this paper will be visually illustrate a model that adapts various existing observations

and theories of evolution and ecological relatedness with the particle wave duality theory (Goldstein 2001).

Together, these elements create a visual illustration that will later be referred to in this paper as the Quantum

Evolution Model (QEM). The QEM serves as a platform for the creation of a continuum of specific

instances and observations of evolution and ecology.

To illustrate the potential of the QEM, we will attempt to overlap existing theories and observations

such as the Classical Plant Defense theory supported by (Cacho 2015) and (Kumar 2013), early human

evolution theory supported by (Maslin 2015) as well as pairwise coevolution show by (Juenger 1998) and

diffuse coevolution theories observed by (Bryant 1985), (Weiblen 2003) and (Goldman-Huertas 2015).

The comparisons will be used to determine the validity of the fundamental concepts of the Quantum

Evolution Model as well as illustrate some of its current limitations.

QUANTUM EVOLUTION MODEL (QEM)

The Quantum Evolution Model follows the functions of quantum physics with elements of

Southwood’s theory on habitat and ecology expressed in terms of particle and wave duality to conceptualize

evolution and ecology in time and space (Southwood, 1977), (Goldstein 2001) as a continuum. Figure 1 is

the broad conceptualization of the QEM.


4

Figu

re 1


5

Using quantum physics as the framework for observing evolution and ecology in the QEM, a

simplistic yet accurate perspective of the observable is possible. Influences from unobservable and

observable variables constantly change the continuum behavior, in quantum mechanics this is described as

quantum momentum and resonance frequency (Goldstein 2001), Southwood calls this value – H – the

length in time in which a habitat is suitable for breeding. The significance of the observed and the

unobserved variables on the characteristics of the habitat itself is a fundamental element based in quantum

theory and the wave – particle theory (Goldstein 2001) and (Bell 1966).

Bell stated that extra variables are not confined to the visible ‘macroscopic’ scale. Meaning that

there is randomness or selective pressures present from unobservable variables over time and space. He

continues, that no sharp definition of such a scale can be made. The variables in the pilot wave picture or

the wave function, are only observable by its influence on complementary variables. These are induced

pressures from particles interacting with other particles in the context of time and space, which create

diversity to their behavior and outcomes (Goldstein 2001) and (Southwood 1977). The randomness and

selective pressures of the ‘pilot wave’ are observed in ecology as evolutionary changes and behavioral

changes in species, such as pair-wise and diffuse evolution (Weiblen, 2003), (Bryant, 1985) and (Goldman-

huertas 2015). In quantum physics the behavior and relationship of the particle and wave over time and

space creates unpredictable behaviors to the observer (Bell 1966); however, these behavior and relationship

are more apparent once applied to ecology and evolution. Using the QEM, the behavior and relationship

can be plotted and a continuum can be created.

To recap, in QEM, the behavior of the habitat can be observed at both a particular moment in time

and over period of time. The term particle represents the behavior all species and individuals at a specific

point in the habitat timeline and throughout the timeline (Southwood 1977) and (Goldstein 2001). In this

model, habitat and time are linked together and represented by a wave. As discussed earlier, particles can

be extremely variable at any moment in time due to the numerous selective ecological pressures. Southwood

describes the behavior of a particle, when he said, as populations march through their habitats in space and


6

time, their position and magnitude will wax and wane. Wax and wane accurately describe the variability of

the particle or species present over an observed period. The theoretical description of heterogeneity in time

are shown in the particle matrix potential. There are two important parameters that are derived from the

characteristics of the habitat, F, which equals the length of the favorable period (permits breeding) and L,

the length of the unfavorable period (limits breeding). H equals the length of time the location remains

suitable for breeding. H will therefore be the sum of F and L until such time as the length of a period that

is unfavorable is greater than the length of generation time. The larger the value of H the more heterogeneity

is expected to be observed in the particle matrix (Southwood, 1977).

Southwood suggests that these parameters be condensed into two axes: durational stability (F + L

= H), which assess the habitat against time, and resource level constancy, which expresses the temporary

behavior of ecology and evolution (particle) against that same space and time. The frame work for what

Southwood suggests is the exact behavioral model produced by the particle wave theory of quantum

mechanics and can be linked to the success matrix potential. In the QEM, Bohmian-quantum mechanics

observe a first-order theory of the particle. In which the velocity of the particle is the source or cause of

evolution. Velocity is due to the large levels of heterogeneity due to favorable breeding conditions. Second-

order or Newtonian concepts, in which particle move under the influences of forces, among which is the

force stemming from the quantum potential. Newtonian concepts describe what is measurable as the

observer in time and space of a particle (Goldstein 2001). The QEM captures the quantum potential as an

influence on H. The larger the H value the larger the quantum potential. Essentially, quantum potential can

be defined as Southwood’s durational stability equation: F + L = H; where H can be used to predict an

expected behavior of the particle as a whole in time and space as depicted in Figure 2 in the particle matrix

box.

Figure 3 expresses the relationship between F, L and H numerically. in the box indicate areas where

the sum of F and L are zero (H=0), indicating stabilization. The absolute value of H or the range of H in

each ring is an increase in the quantum potential. The change in quantum potential does not necessarily


7

effect the stability of the habitat as a whole. When H is larger than zero the habitat is considered unstable.

Figure 4 expands on Figure 3, by adding the rings from Figure 2 for clarity.

String model


8


9

Figure 5 is the QEM continuum. Where Southwood’s equations, related via the particle and wave

relationship are clarified and specific examples of evolution and theories included.

EVOLUTION OBSERVATIONS AND THEORIES APPLIED TO THE QUANTUM EVOLUTION

MODEL:

Figure 2 expands upon the functionality and characteristics particles in Figure 1. Widening the

frame work illustrates Southwood’s theories and the context of quantum physics at a greater detail. As

such, we can place specific observations, theories and models into the QEM. To do this simply, we selected

three points of observation, Point A, B and C on the string model for examples.

Points A, B and C have a definitive value for H as the string behaves as a function of F + L. Where

the line bends gradually, such as Point B, the habitat is relatively stable and therefore has a large H value,

which indicates that there will be a large diversity of optimal survival strategies present in the particle

matrix. The particle matrix is best described by Southwood, as natural habitats that provide a complete

spectrum of types of particle behavior with regard to the different variables at a particular point in time in

the habitat.

Along the string, where the bend is tight, such as Point A, H values will be low, the habitat will be

unstable and will constrict the optimal survival strategies present in the particle matrix. Any point along the

string model corresponds to a particular size diversity or heterogeneity in the particle matrix. This frame

work allows us to apply previously observed evolutionary events, theories and models together. Here we

will briefly cover some theories of human, insect and plant evolution, coevolution and general ecology to

test the QEM model.

---- CLASSICAL PLANT DEFENSE THEORY

The Classical Plant Defense Theory from Dethier (1954), Fraenkel (1959), Ehrlich & Raven (1964)

helps explain particle matrix behavior in a particular space and time. The theory, as reviewed by Janz N.,

the main observation by Ehrlich and Raven in 1964, was that a natural arms race would develop between


10

butterflies and the plants they fed on ultimately leading to specialization. This specialization should be

interpreted to account, qualitatively, for the some of the variance of the particle matrix at any one point in

time. In the context of Ehrlich and Raven’s butterflies and the movement towards specialization, which can

be seen as a less optimal survival strategy and therefore must exist under a stable habitat with a high H

value, perhaps between points A and C.

Natural history-driven, plant-mediated RNAi-based study reveals CYP6B46’s role in a nicotine-

mediated antipredator herbivore defense, by Kumar 2013, as well as Macro evolutionary patterns of

glucosinolate defense and tests of defense-escalation and resource availability hypotheses, by Cacho 2105,

also report results that provide evidence of specialization, similar to Ehrlich and Raven. However, in

addition to providing observational evidence of specialization and particle variance. The QEM, does not

accurately depict the placement of these observations on the string model. The lack of frame work for time

line of the historical behavior of the habitat is hard to determine the main cause and there for at which point

in space and time in may have occurred.

---- EARLY HUMAN EVOLUTION – CLIMATE VARIABILITY HYPOTHESIS

Maslin, Shultz and Trauth report in A synthesis of the theories and concepts of early human

evolution (2014), that the major events in hominin evolution occurred in a time of variable environmental

setting, and proposed the pulsed climate variability hypothesis, which suggests the long-term drying trend,

with short periods of extreme humidity and aridity, in East Africa drove speciation and dispersal. Their

hypothesis also serves as a conceptual frame work for other evolutionary theories, such as phylogenetic

gradualism, punctuated gradualism, allelopathic speciation. The significance to this paper is that it

illustrates the habitat at Point A, where there is a low H value, significant habitat instability, condensing the

particle matrix potential. Furthermore, is also identifies the return to a more stable habitat to Point C and

eventually Point B, as each one of these mechanism may have been acting on hominins during these short

periods of climate variability, which then produce a range of different traits that led to the emergence of


11

new species, of which most significantly lead to speciation and specialization or a larger diversity in the

particle matrix.

---- DIFFUSE AND PAIRWISE COEVOLUTION THEORIES

Applying of the theories of diffuse and pairwise evolution to the QEM frame work are again best

illustrated in Points A and B. Diffuse coevolution refers to multiple interacting lineages that have influenced

one another in some reciprocal manner. The definition of pairwise coevolution refers to the case in which

two interacting populations are agents of selection on each other (Weiblen 2003). In the article Pairwise

versus diffuse natural selection and the multiple herbivores of scarlet gilia, ipomopsis aggregata, (Juenger

1998) describes the observation and presence of both diffuse and pairwise coevolution occurring. The

significance of the article is that is explains the variance of the individual particle or species in a particular

moment in time and as a mechanism for the variance in the particle matrix potential.

Evolution of herbivory in Drosophilidae linked to loss of behaviors, antennal responses, odorant

receptors, and ancestral diet, by Goldman-Huertas 2015 and Resource Availability and Plant Antiherbivore

Defense by Bryant, J.P. 1985, support the theory of diffuse evolution. Here the H value is moderately low,

caused by unfavorable breeding periods caused by macro- and micro-scopic observation. This represents

the particles’ behavior in the QEM model where particles exhibit different specialization and survival

strategies, or polymorphism. Specific location on the particle matrix and string model is difficult to

accurately describe and is an indication of the current limitation of the QEM model.

Beyond the theories mentioned previously in this paper, there are many additional examples that

can and should be placed inside QEM’s frame work.


12

CONCLUSION:

The Quantum Evolution Model works on a conceptual level. The application of quantum theory

and particle – wave theory and the theories of Southwood are responsible for the simplistic ease in which

ecology can be observed and a continuum created. Within the QEM, there are different levels of

macroscopic scale interactions and microscopic scale interactions. These are different in terms of directing

the behavior of evolution and heterogeneity of the particle.

Some may argue that the simplicity of the model cannot contain the complexities of the observable

and non-observable variables present in ecology. It is true that the simplicity of the Quantum Evolution

Model lends itself to a qualitative model as opposed to a quantitative model. There will need to be without

a doubt additional research and work needed to round out the numerous short comings of this model.

DISCUSSION:

The principles of the Quantum Evolution Model need to be stretched and scrutinized before any

significant application of it should be considered. The topics and arguments are limited in scope and are at

times limited by not only the QEM at its current stage but also by the incomplete observations of the macro-

and micro-scopic measurements as required for this frame work.

Interesting to point out that Southwood purposed the selection of ecological strategies in the particle

matrix is developed on the basis of classical natural selection, the individual maximizing the number of its

own descendants. The characters of the particle will interact with the habitat through the strategy that is

adopted to continually maximize various parameters to increase and diversify the matrix potential. This

model is very similar to the idea of disease triangle. Different plants of the same species can be faced with

drastically variable disease triangles due to changes of the matrix potential at different points in time and

space.

Ecological strategies described by Classical Plant Defense theory, early human evolution theory as

well as pairwise and diffuse coevolution theories were used to understand the capabilities of the current


13

model of QEM. There are many unknown specifics in the QEM relating to terminology and theories that

must be answered as well as clarifications of the QEM itself. We suggest and encourage additional work

and research be conducted to test the integrity and accuracy the QEM. Particularly research in the

application and specification of quantum principles and observations to the model. Perhaps, the Quantum

Evolution Model can serve as an attempted application of quantum theory to the observable world.

REFERENCES:

Bell, J. S. (1966). On the Problem of Hidden Variables in Quantum Mechanics. Reviews of Modern Physics Rev. Mod. Phys., 38(3), 447-452.

Bryant, J. P. (1985). Resource Availability and Plant Antiherbivore Defense (1985) American

Association for the Advancement of Science. Science v 230 (Nov 22, 1985): pp895 (5).

Cacho, N. I., Kliebenstein, D. J., & Strauss, S. Y. (2015). Macroevolutionary patterns of

glucosinolate defense and tests of defense-escalation and resource availability hypotheses.

New Phytologist, 208(3), 915–927. http://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13561

Kumar, P., Pandit, S. S., Steppuhn, A., & Baldwin, I. T. (2013).Natural history0driven, plant-

mediated RNAi-based study reveals CYP6B46’s role in a nicotine-mediated antipredator

herbivore defense. PNAS. http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1314848111

Goldman-huertas, B., Mitchell, R. F., Lapoint, R. T., Faucher, C. P., & Hildebrand, J. G. (2015).

Evolution of herbivory in Drosophilidae linked to loss of behaviors, antennal responses,

odorant receptors, and ancestral diet, 112(10). http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1424656112

http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1314848111

http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1424656112


14

Goldstein, S. (2001, October 26). Bohmian Mechanics. Retrieved April 01, 2016, from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qm-bohm/#qo

Janz, N. (2011). Ehrlich and Raven Revisited : Mechanisms Underlying Codiversification of

Plants and Enemies. http://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-102710-145024

Juenger, T., & Bergelson, J. (1998). Pairwise Versus Diffuse Natural Selection and the Multiple

Herbivores of Scarlet Gilia, Ipomopsis aggregata. Evolution, 52(6), 1583. Merriam-webster Dictionary (2016). Ecology. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2016, from

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology

Maslin, M. a, Shultz, S., & Trauth, M. H. (2015). A synthesis of the theories and concepts of early

human evolution. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B,

Biological Sciences, 370(1663), 1–12. http://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2014.0064

Southwood, T. R. E. (1977). HABITAT, THE TEMPLET FOR ECOLOGICAL STRATEGIES?

Presidential address to the British Ecological Society 5 January 1977, 337–365.

Weiblen, George, D. (2003). Interspecific Coevolution, Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (May

2003), University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, 1–12.

--- ORIGINAL ABSTRACT

The topic of this review paper will be on the evolution of humans, plants and insect as they relate to one

another in behavior and functionality in the context of the environment. The specific points and connections

I want to highlight are the co-evolutionary similarities between plants, humans and insects, the context in

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qm-bohm/#qo


15

which these evolutions were mediated and the future implications of a these findings on future-model

parameters, specifically, climate change.

To give this review paper its best shot, I will need research from multiple different fields and disciplines.

The short list includes, human, plant and insect evolution theories and concepts, the context and timing of

the evolution of these traits, the history of climate change, the future projections of climate change, plant

breeding concepts and theories, genetic selection/depression theories and concepts, phenotype and

genotype profiles and more.

Overall, I believe that there is fragmentation in the field of science, which separates events, ideas, discovery

and most importantly it inhibits all comparison between them. The purpose of this review will be to present

a quantum study of evolution as the basis for a new direction in science and research. I want to push into a

cohesive context or a unity theory.

To illustrate a cohesive theory, I intend define specific theories, concepts and research and then compare

similarities. I aim to link specific parameters in the context of why or how evolution occurred in both time

and space. Aimed with this information I hope to project a model in which all living organism behave

similarly in evolution in contextual settings. From there I hope to project my model against the proposed

changes in our environment in concern with rapid climate change via global warming.

a perspective of evolutionary traits of humans, … · colorado state university –...

Documents