What is the extended evolutionary synthesis?

The extended evolutionary synthesis (EES) is new a way to think about and understand evolutionary phenomena that differs from the conception that has dominated evolutionary thinking since the 1930s (i.e., the modern synthesis). The EES does not replace traditional thinking, but rather can be deployed alongside it to stimulate research in evolutionary biology.

Key concepts

The extended evolutionary synthesis emphasizes two key unifying concepts that feature in progressive readings of some sections of the evolutionary biology literature – constructive development and reciprocal causation.

Focal topics

The extended evolutionary synthesis focuses on insights derived from four research areas that have been subject to alternative interpretations in recent literature, yet nonetheless reveal convergent themes.