The nature of evolution and adaptation: resolving the unity–diversity paradox

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Abstract
The concept of the unity of biochemical structures and functions creates the problem for biology of how to account for the pervasive species diversity and obvious adaptedness of living systems. A review of the current literature indicates that four principles, (i) the principle of conservation of critical sequences in both structural and regulatory loci, (ii) the principle of unique assembly of parts via unique (tissue-specific and temporal) activation of regulatory loci, (iii) the principle of genetic innovation via mechanisms internal or external to the genome, and (iv) the principle of biochemical adaptation via selection for favourable alleles of structural and regulatory genes or selection for advantageous genetic innovations, seem capable of resolving the paradox of the unity of biochemical systems despite patently vast species diversity and species adaptation. Evaluation of the current status of each of these principles suggests the especial need for more experimental studies of the role of regulatory loci in species diversification and adaptation.

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