Earth's organisms developed via evolution. What if the cosmos did, too?
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F11%2F48%2F11487635-0fac-4b64-baa7-f7f3cb941e79%2Fimage_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Physicists and philosophers are exploring the theory of 'cosmological evolution,' which suggests that universes might evolve and reproduce through the formation of black holes. This perspective draws parallels between biological natural selection and the fundamental laws governing the cosmos.
Why it matters
The theory challenges traditional views of cosmology by applying Darwinian principles to the origin and development of the universe.
Eli Stark-Elster | AAAS Mass Media Fellow
Add as preferred source According to a niche perspective called "cosmological evolution," universes may reproduce by spawning black holes in which new universes may form. The concept is far from proven, but researchers note its potential. NASA In the 1996 book Darwin’s Dangerous Idea , the philosopher Daniel Dennett argues that evolution might be the best idea anyone ever came up with. “If I were to give an award,” Dennett writes, “I’d give it to Darwin, ahead of Newton and Einstein and everyone else.”
Some physicists might disagree. Sure, evolution can explain how peacocks ended up with iridescent tail feathers and why chimpanzees look so much like humans. But can that really be called more significant than gravity?
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in