Species can evolve the ability to alter their own evolutionary rate
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 75/100
Biological and theoretical evidence demonstrates that species can evolve plastic or condition-dependent mutation mechanisms that actively alter their own evolutionary rates in response to environmental stress.
Evidence for · 2
Mutational mechanisms and evolvability
2021 · cited by 0
Programmed DNA rearrangements and specialized mutation systems demonstrate that species can evolve mechanisms to specifically amplify mutation rates.
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More for · 1
The evolution of a condition-dependent mutation rate enhances evolvability
2026 · cited by 0
Theoretical modeling confirms that condition-dependent mutation rates and evolvability can readily evolve in changing environments.