Capturing the facets of evolvability in a mechanistic framework

'Evolvability' - the ability to undergo adaptive evolution - is a key concept for understanding and predicting the response of biological systems to environmental change. Evolvability has various facets and is applied in many ways, easily leading to misunderstandings among researchers. To clarify matters, we first categorize the mechanisms and organismal features underlying evolvability into determinants providing variation, determinants shaping the effect of variation on fitness, and determinants shaping the selection process. Second, we stress the importance of timescale when studying evolvability. Third, we distinguish between evolvability determinants with a broad and a narrow scope. Finally, we highlight two contrasting perspectives on evolvability: general evolvability and specific evolvability. We hope that this framework facilitates communication and guides future research.

Automated summary

The article discusses the importance of evolvability in biological systems and proposes a framework for studying and understanding evolvability. It categorizes the mechanisms and organismal features underlying evolvability and emphasizes the role of timescale in studying evolvability. The article also distinguishes between broad and narrow evolvability determinants and highlights contrasting perspectives on evolvability.