| evolution, chemical | Chemical and physical transformation of the biogenic elements from their nucleosynthesis in stars to their incorporation and subsequent modification in planetary bodies and terrestrial biochemistry. It includes the mechanism of incorporation of biogenic elements into complex molecules and molecular systems, leading up to the origin of life. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| evolution, cultural | By contrast with biologic evolution, A.G. Motulsky in 1968 pointed out that social evolution is mediated by ideas, shows a rapid (exponential) rate of change, is usually purposeful, often beneficial, is widely disseminated by diverse means, is frequently transmitted in complex ways, further complexity comes from the frequent formation of new ideas and new technologies. Cultural evolution is unique to humans among all forms of life. Human culture required biologic evolution to achieve the human brain. See Evolution, social. (12 Dec 1998) |
| evolution, molecular | Evolution at the molecular level of DNA sequences and proteins. (rieger et al., glossary of genetics: classical and molecular, 5th ed) (12 Dec 1998) |
| evolution, planetary | Creation and development of bodies within solar systems, includes study of early planetary geology. (12 Dec 1998) |