Surprising research has shown thatmass extinctions , despite being , well , pot extinctions , may actually have a positive effect on evolution . Bear with us here .
In research published in the journalPLoS One , scientists from the University of Texas at Austin ( UT Austin ) create a computer feigning in which neural web were connected to imitation robotic leg . The finish of the networks was to evolve a virtual robot that could take the air swimmingly and stably .
Random sport were introduced during the appendage , as come in factual evolution , which make a wide range of traits after century of generation , although only a few of these actually fulfilled the finish of walking . However , by randomly killing off 90 % of the automaton – mimicking a mass quenching – something rather intriguing pass .
The researchers found that the lineages that last a simulated volume extinction had a outstanding power to evolve than when there was no aggregate extinction . imitation mass extinction also resulted in more novel approaches to solve the walk job .
" This is a good deterrent example of how evolution bring about expectant affair in indirect , weave way , " explained co - source Joel Lehman from IT University of Copenhagen , formerly from UT Austin , in astatement .
" focussed destruction can lead to surprising outcomes , " added his fellow conscientious objector - author Risto Miikkulainen from UT Austin . " Sometimes you have to develop something that seems objectively bad in club to develop the creature you need to get better . "
The research does n’t go so far to say that mass defunctness , like the one that wiped out the dinosaur 66 million old age ago , are necessarily safe . But it does play up that , even when faced with untold hardship , life is able to adapt and hold up . And indeed , the death of the dinosaur allowed mammal to flourish , as previously occupied niches of the surround opened up .
“ The conclusion is that although they are destructive in the short term , experimental extinction upshot may make phylogenesis more prolific in the long terminal figure , ” the investigator save in theirpaper .
In the words of Jeff Goldblum inJurassic Park : “ Life , uh , finds a way . ”
