Lynn Margulis, Distinguished University Professor in the department of geosciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, discussed the acquisition of genomes in the origin of species during the Voices of Discovery lecture Thursday, March 11. Details...
Margulis’ research is at the heart of answers to questions about the evolution of species and the genetic variation in living organisms. Once considered unconventional, her answers to these questions are routinely described in biology textbooks today.
Her serial endosymbiosis theory concludes that the cells of animals and plants evolved from ancient symbiotic unions that have successfully met the demands of life for more than a billion years.
During her lecture, Margulis offered a brief synopsis of the evolution of life on Earth. “There were no animals or plants for seven-eighths of the Earth’s life,” said Margulis. “Humans are very new in the overall history of life.”
In her recent book, “Acquiring Genomes,” Magulis challenges the assumptions that scientists have made about the mechanisms of evolution. Her theory of the origin of species holds that new species arise by symbiotic merger of genomes rather than by random mutation.
“I never could believe that variation in evolution occurs by mutation alone,” Margulis told the audience in McCrary Theatre. She said three factors play a key role in evolution: population growth, inherited changes and natural selection.
Margulis described natural selection as “a process of elimination, not selection.” Key conditions in natural selection include time, place and environment.
Margulis earned a doctorate in genetics from the University of California at Berkeley. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences of the United States in 1983 and is a fellow at the World Academy of Art and Science, the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Margulis also visited with students in Elon biology classes Friday morning, sharing her knowledge and answering questions.
The Voices of Discovery science speaker series, sponsored by Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, invites noted scholars in science and mathematics to Elon to share their knowledge and experience with students.