Extended Evolutionary Synthesis

The Extended Evolutionary Synthesis expands on traditional evolution by highlighting additional factors influencing how species change over time. Besides natural selection, it emphasizes processes like developmental plasticity (organisms adjusting to their environment), epigenetic inheritance (heritable changes not involving DNA sequence), and niche construction (organisms shaping their environment). This broader view recognizes that evolution is dynamic and influenced by multiple interconnected mechanisms, making it more adaptable and responsive to changing conditions. Overall, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of how life diversifies and adapts beyond just genetic mutations and selection.